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Historical Sketches 



OF THE 



Town of Moravia^ 



FROM 1791 TO 1873. 



BY 

JAMES A. WRKJHT. 



BEN'I'ON & HEYNOLD8, Printers. 



AIT.URN, N. Y., 1874.' 



\V5 6^(5A 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

IncUans— The Al-le-ghans, Irroquois or Six Nations— The Religions 
Belief of the Cayugas-First White Settlers-John Stoyell— First 
House Built ^ 

CHAPTER II. 

Gershom Morse— Morse's Log House— Old Roads— Mrs. Morse and 
her Indian visitor— Squire Morse and extracts from his Docket— 
The Laws enforced in 1807— Justices and Constable fees-Pains 
and Penalties- Public Stocks— Bad Spell 9 

CHAPTER III. 

Cotton Skinner— David Wright— Characteristics of Early Settlers. 17 

CHAPTER IV. 

Miscellany— Old Records— Accidents by Field and Flood— Bounty 
for head of Wolves and Bears- Free Commoners— Manumittance 
of Slaves— Ejectment— A Bad Specimen— First School House 
and Store 23 

CHAPTER V. 

Game— Bears and Forbear— Panthers— The Morse Boys and the 
" Catamount"— Wolves— Their Attack upon David Wright and 
Family- Battle between Morse's Dog and a Wolf— Deer— Man- 
ner of Capture— First Marriage, Birth, and Death 29 



4 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER YI. 

Churches — First C'ongregationiil Churcli — lis Organization — BuiUl- 
ing— Names of Pastors '■'>■> 

CHAPTER vn. 

Moravia lustitulc— First Trustees— Names of Teachers -"il 

CHAPTER Vni. 
The Village Named- Old bempronius— First Town Meeting— First 
Town Officers— One Man with Six Offices— Ezekiel Sayles— In- 
corporated- Presidents and Clerks— Division of the Town of 
Sempronious — Supervisors and Tu'wn Clerks oo 

CHAPTER IX. 

Rowland Day — Cady's Tavern— When Built— " Aunt Cady" — Mora- 
via Cotton Mills — Taverns — Brick — Moutville — Anecdote— Ex- 
ploit of John Locke, S. E. Day, Chauncey Wright, John 11. 
Hiuman and Isaac M. Cook — "Sister Cook" — The last man to 
let go of the Lines G;! 

CHAPTER X. 

Free Masonrj- — Its Antiquity — Origin and Purposes — Sylvan Lodg(; 
— When form(!d — St. John the Baptist Chaiiler — Representatives 
to Grand Chapter—' ' So ]\lote it be. " 69 

CHAPTER XI. 
Moravia Agricultural Societj- — Organization — Rules and Regulations 
— Officers, &c 7!) 

CHAPTER XII. 
Isaac Cady 85 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Steamer Ensenore — Capt, Kellogg — Dive Overboard 01 



COXTEXTS. 



CHAPTER XIV 



Teaiperance — First Total Abstinance Pledge - John :Stovell tlu» First 
Sisjuer — "You sign and I will" — I. O. of Good Templars — Or- 
iranization — Names of AVorthv Chiefs <j:; 



CHAPTER XY. 

Military — 109th Regiment — General Training — Xames of OfReers — 
A Colonel's Hat in the Pork Barrel — Are wc all Corporals — Cajit. 
Powers and Lieut. Locke — I am Bohemoth — Bull sound B — 
Present Militia — Names of men — Old lOtii— Co. F — Names of 
Yolunleers — Shoddy Clothing — Two Years — Consolidation — ;^d 
N. Y. Artillery — Goldsboro, Newburn, &c. — Samuel Andrews 
killed — Mustered out— Toth Regiment — Co. A — Names of Ofli- 
cers and Men— Fort Pickens — Death of Lyman H. Goodrich — 
Expeditions in Louisiana — Dangerous exploit of Lieut. Worden 
— Charles H. Lakey and James K. Gould — Worden and Gould 
wounded— Port Hudson— Shenandoah Valley — llltli Regiment 
— Co. I — Harper's Ferry captured— Gettysburg — John Thomas 
wounded— Levi White's narrow escape from death — Wm. H. 
Birdsall uounded — Levi "White wounded — Ebenezer Piatt killed 
— A bloodless Duel— Levi White again wounded — Reams Station 
— Captured— Libby Prison — Prison Fare — Starvation — Exchang- 
ed — Capturing a flag— Humphrey Davenport wounded — The last 
Battle of the 111th — loSth Regiment — Names of Men from this 
Town— 100th Regiment— Co. F — Names from this Town— Bayou 
Teche— Gunboat "Diana" — Under Fire — Capt. Josiah P. Jewett 
wounded — John* I). Clark wounded — The Diana surrenders — 
Form of P'arole — Josiah E. White wounded— Cedar Creek— Jo- 
siah E. White again wounded K-O 

CH AFTER XVL 
Tribute to the Dead— John Stoyell, Josiah P. Jeweit, Dorvvin F. 
Wright, George C. Stoyell, Lyman 11. Goodrich, Frederick 
Allen, Proctor Mellen, Jonathan Jenkins, Saiiford Burlingliam, 
Thomas Horrop, William Shimer, William S. IMoss, Edgar E. 
Moss, David Gould, Ebenezer Piatt, Thomas Davenport, Jolni 
Slarrow, Simeon Stoddard, John S. Cady, Jerome Palmer. . . . l;!.") 



6 CONTENTS, 

CHAPTER XVII. 

First National Bank— History of its organization— Officers— Capital 
Stock— Rules and By-Laws 155 

CHAPTER XVIII, 

AVilliam Wade — Cornet Band — Newspapers first published in Cayuga 
County — The Lavanna Gazette in 1798 — Cayuga Tocsin — North- 
ern Christian Advocate— Auburn Journal — Cayuga Chief First 
Printing Press in this town — The Cayuga County Courier — Mo- 
ravia Valley Register, its "Staff" — Moravia Weekly News, its 
' ' Reserve " Corps 173 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Union Free School — Its History — School Buildings — Names of Teach- 
ers 181 

CHAPTER XX. 

Cemeteries— Old Burial Grounds— The Flood of 1863 — Partial De- 
struction of the Old Cemetery — Indian Mound — Cold Spring and 
Public Park — Names of Residents of this Town over 75 years of 
age — Also of Persons who have died Residents over 75 years of 
age 191 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Members of Assembly — Sketches of Artemas Cady, John L. Parkei-, 
and Hector C. Tuthill— Government Officials— State, County, 
and other Appointments from this Town 315 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Montville — Inhabitants— Manufacturers — Daniel Goodrich — Walter 
Wood — Millard Fillmore— His first Public Speech— Smart Men 
— Capt. Whipple and Capt. Crosby— " Tune " Barhite's Smart 
Man — Rogers «& Lathrop's Foundry — School House — "Ginx" 
Baby not Drowned— The Old Red School House— Its Pedagogues 
and Pupils 223 



CONTEXTS. 7 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

'' First Cast Iron Plow— Patents— Bull Plow of 1820— Jetbro Wood- 
Pot Metal Plow— A Plow sent to Alexander I. Emperor of Rus- 
sia-Wood's trials and death— His Son Benjamin— His legal 
triumph and pecuniary failure— His death— Jelhro Wood the 
Benefactor of his Age— Rogers & Skinner's manufactory 233 

CHAPTER XXI Y. 
The Bench and Bar 251 

- CHAPTER XXV. 

Business Directory— Southern Central Rail Road — Town Valuation 
and Population 200 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Legend of Indian Hill . 279 



PREFACE. 



In 1863, some hastily written sivetclies of this town were published 
in the Aubui'n Journal, and afterwards in the Cayuga County Courier. 
Those articles are herein revised and enlarged and many others add- 
ed thereto, containing historical facts, and anecdotes, characteristics 
of early settlers, statistics, and a resume of the present condition of 
Moravia Village, and other matters, interesting as local history. 

The volume is written in a plain, matter of fact way, with the en- 
deavor to arrange systematically, and correctly, and in a substantial 
form, the history of this Town, so as to be interesting and valuable to 
those who take our places, as we have taken the places left vacant by 
the early settlers. 

In describing the characteristics of the former generation, we have 
to deal with, in many respects, a peculiar people ; men born in New 
England who inherited all the peculiarities of the Puritan character ; 
industrious and frugal, conscientious, and imbued with a deep reli- 
gious feeling, often opinionated and prejudiced, but thorougly honest 
and sincere. They represent a class, and a society, which, on ac- 
count of the isolation in which it lived and grew, preserved the cus- 
toms and traditions of New England people, long after such customs 
had faded from the land where they originated ; a people that had 
never lost faith in God, Justice and the Bible, and who cherished doc- 
trine^ which had been cither much modified, or entirely rejected by the 
descendants of the Puritans in tlic Eastern State;. Men trained to 



iv rKKFACE. 

certain notions, beliefs, and habits, have a distinct individuality, and 
this aceonnts for the many peculiar traits of character which we have 
alluded to in the following pages, and it also accounts for that firm- 
ness, consistency, honesty and piety, for which some of them were 
noted. 

The historical facts are substantially correct and reliable. The 
main facts were obtained from i)ersons living in the vicinity at the 
time of their occurrence, or from their immediate descendants. 
David Wright, one of the early settlers, Isaac Cady, John Stoyell, 
and William Wade, men well acquainted with the local and general 
history of the Town, each gave valuable information upon Avhich 
some of the sketches are founded. Since their first publication the 
above named persons have all died, and it is a matter of regret that 
much that would have been of interest historically was not obtained 
before their departure. 

The military portions are not given as a military history, except 
so far as to follow the experiences of the soldiers from this Town, aud 
especiall}^ those who were wounded, or experienced "hairbreadth 
escapes." Probably full justice has not been done some whose names 
do not appear in this work, but if so, it is because the facts concern- 
ing them could net be obtained. The writer has endeavored to give 
an impartial version of the matters which relate to the Volunteers 
from this town. 

Our thanks are due to Leanc[er Fitts, Cashier of The First National 
Bank ; ]\l. E. Kenyon, Secretary Agricultural. Society ; S. Edwin 
Day, Secretary Indian Mound Cemetery Association ; R. D. Wade, 
Clerk of I^Ioravia Village; Henry Cutler, Town Clerk; AVill R. Covey, 
Secretary of Rising Star Lodge ; and George N. Shaw, Town Clerk 
of Scmpronius, in allowing the use of the books and records of their 
several Corporations and Societies, and for informalion very kindlv 
given concerning tic same. 



IN MEMORIAM. 



'' Sketches of the Town of Moravia," as originally 
published, were written at the earnest request of Mr. 
Chauncey Wright, the father of the writer. At his 
suggestion also, the present volume was commenced, 
and during the last year of his life, he helped to fur- 
nish many of the more imj^ortant facts and incidents 
of which the present generation had no substantial 
record. Whatever of personal interest the writer 
may have had in this work, originated entirely in 
the desire to gratify the request of the departed,. to 
wdiose memory this record of past events, is most 
affectionately inscribed. 

t 



CHAPTER I. 

The Al-le-ghaxs, Ieeoquois or Six JN^ations — The 
Religious Belief of the Cayugas— First White 
Settlers — Joiix Stoyell — First House Built. 

It is now pretty well settled by the authorities in 
Indian History, that the western portion of the State 
of ISTew York, was occupied by a race of Indians 
known as the '" Al-le-ghans," who unmolested, roam- 
ed up and down on the earth from the Mississippi 
eastward to, and beyond the Alleglianies, during the 
eleventh and twelfth centuries. They are described 
as an active, populous tribe, possessing some knowl- 
edge of agriculture and the arts. They were however, 
about the year 1340, after a severe and protrac- 
ted warfare, superceded by the Irroquois, who were 
composed of six confederated nations, to wit, the 
Cayugas, Senecas, Mohawks, Onondaga s, Oneidas 
and Tuscaroras, and compelled to remove westward. 

The " Six ]N"ations" as they were called, held pos- 
session of the cejitral portions of the State during 
four hundred years, or until about the year 1790, 
when tliev, in turn. si!ccuml)ed to the advance of 



2 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

civilization, i-eflected in tlio conntenances of tlie 
'■'l)a]e face," and withdrew tliemselves to tlie wilder 
regions of tli(^ Keystone State. 

The Cayugas 2:)rior to their removal, ''owned and 
occupied," together with the Senecas, as tenants in 
common, the present County of Cayuga, and conse- 
quently the towns of Moravia, Locke, &c. 

The first white settlers of whom we have any ac- 
count, found the foi-est cut away, and a portion of 
the land giving evident signs of civilization. Perhaps 
this was done by the Indians, as a few of them yet 
remained upon the arrival of the white man, to wit, 
about 1789. No doubt this valley was a favorite re- 
sort, as the surrounding hills abounded in game, and 
the streams and lake in fish. 

The Summit north of the village, known as "Indian 
Hill," according to tradition, w^as their burial ground. 

The "Cayugas " it is alleged, were a religious lace. 
Upon this point we copy from a treatise upon the 
"League of the Irroquois," which, wdiile some por- 
tions thereof are doubtless overdrawn and imaginary, 
may yet contain many interesting and truthful illus- 
trations of the Indians' religious belief : 

" The personal existence of an invisible, but ever 
present Deity, was an intuitive belief with the Irro- 
quois, which neither the lapse of centuries could 
efface, nor human inventions corrux»t. If by the dif- 
fusion of this great truth, they did not escape the 
spell of superstition which resulted from their im- 
perfect knowledge of the Supreme Being, and their 
ignorance of natural phenomena, they were saved 



HISTORrCA]. SKETCHES OF MOEAVIA. 3 

from the deepest of all barbarians — an idolatrons 
worship. They believed in the constant snperintend- 
ing care of the Great Spirit, and that He rnled and 
administered the affairs of the world, and those of 
the red race. 

As Moses tanght- that Jehovali was the God of 
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and of His chosen peo- 
ple, so the Irroquois regarded the Great Spirit as the 
God of the Indian alone. The}' looked np to Him 
as the author of their being, the same of their tem- 
poral blessings, and the future disposer of the feli- 
cities of their heavenly home. To Him they render- 
ed constant thanks and homage for the changes in the 
seasons, the fruits of the earth, the preservation of 
their lives, and for their social pri^dleges, and politi- 
cal prosperity, and to Him they addressed their 
prayers for the continuance of His protecting care." 

"Their knowledge of the attributes of the Great 
Spirit was necessarily limited and imperfect, of His 
goodness and beneficence they had a full impression, 
and some notions also of his Justice and perfection. 
But they could not fully conceive of the omnipo- 
tence of the Great Spirit, except through the instru- 
mentality of a class of inferior spiiitual existences, 
b}" Vvdiom He was surrounded. 

His power was evidenced by tiic civation of man. 
He was also believed to hv self-existent, and immoi- 
tal. The enobling and exalted views which are now 
held ])y Christian nations, would not be expected 
among a people excluded from the light of revela- 
tion. In the simple truths' of natnial religion the}' 



4 IIISTOIUOAL .SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

were thioiighly iiuloi'tiiiuitcd, and mnuy ol" tliese 
truths were lield in great purity and simplicity.— 
Sucli is tile power of trutli over the human mind, 
and th(^ liarmony of all truth, that the Indian, with- 
out the power of logic, reached some of the most 
im2)()rtant conclusions of j^^iiiosophy, and drew 
dowji from heaven, some of the highest truths of rev- 
elation. While the religious system of the Irroquois 
taught the existence of the Great Spirit, it also recog- 
nised tlie existence of an Evil One. According to the 
legend of their finite origin, they were brothers, born 
at the same l)irth, and destined to an endless exist- 
ence. 

To the Evil Spirit in a limited degree was ascribed 
creative power. As the Great Spirit created man, 
and all useful animals, and products of the earth, so 
the Evil Spirit created all monsters, poisonous rep- 
tiles, and noxious plants. In a wo]-d while the form- 
er made everything that was good and subservient, 
the latter formed everything that was bad and perni- 
cious to man. 

The immortality of the soul, was another of the 
fixed beliefs of the Irroquois. This notion had pre- 
vailed generally among the red races under different 
forms and with different degrees of distinctness. 

The happy home beyond tlie setting sun Imd cinder- 
ed the heart, and lighted the expiring eye of the In- 
dian, before the ships of Columbus had borne the 
Cross to this western world. The religious system 
of the Iri-oquois that it was a journey from earth to 
heaven of many days duration. Originally it was 



» HISTORICAL SKETCHES OP MORAVIA. 5 

supposed to be a year, and tlie period of mourning 
for the departed was fixed at that term. At its ex- 
piration it was customary for tlie relatives of the de- 
ceased to hold a feast, the soul of the departed having 
reached heaven, and a state of felicity, there was no 
longer cause for mourning. The spirit of grief was 
exchanged for that of rejoicing. In modern times 
the mourning period has been reduced to ten days, 
and the journey of the spirit is now believed to be 
perfoimed in three. 

The spirit of the deceased was supposed to hover 
around the body for a season before it took its Unai 
departure, and not until after the expiration of a 
year, according to the ancient belief, and ten days 
according to the present, did it become permanently 
at rest in heaven. A beautiful custom prevailed in 
ancient times, of capturing a bird and freeing it over 
the grave on the evening of the burial, to bear away 
the spirit to its heavenly rest. Heaven was believed 
to be the abode of the Great Spirit — the final home 
of the faithful. They believed that there was a road 
down from heaven to ever}^ man's door. In this in- 
visil)le way, the soul ascended in its heavenly flight, 
until it reached its celestial habitation. As before 
observed, the spirit was supposed to linger for a time 
about the bod}', and perhaps to revisit it. In conse- 
(pience of tliis bd'lief, a superstitious custom prevailed 
of leaving a sliglit opening in the grave, tlirough 
which it might re-enter its former teiiement. After 
taking its final departure tlie soul was supposed t'o 
ascend higher and liio-her on its heaven] v way, grad- 



G iriSTOJlIG'AL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. . 

uall}- moving to tlie westward, until it camo out upon 
the plains of heaven."* 

It is stated that in the summer of 1789, some men 
from the Town of Genoa, came to the "Flats" for the 
})ui'j)ose of j)i'ocuring a supply of hay. Thes(? men 
were Gideon Pitts, Jonathan Brownell, John Guthrie 
and Jonathan Richmond. The first permanent resi- 
dent however, was John Stoyell, who came from 
Connecticut to Aurora in 1789, and while there he- 
cauK^ accpiainted with an agent of Mr. TenEyck, a 
wealthy land owner, with whom he bargained foi' 
one hundred acres of land, at one shilling per acre, 
the same to be located on lot number eighty-three in 
this town, but which was at that time part of tlu' 
Town of Scipio, Mr. Stoyell was required to ad- 
vance twenty shillings "to bind the bargain," which 
amount he promptly paid, and soon thereafter re- 
moved to his newh' acquired possessions. IIer(f Mr. 
Stoyell experienced all the hardships and inconve- 
niences which embarrass, and often times dishearten 
the early settler. Alone in a wilderness, witli n(^ one 
to counsel with or render the least assistance, he laid 
the foundatio]! foi' one of the most beautiful villages 
in AVestern New York. After building a cabin and 
planting some corn and potatoes, he returned to 
Aurora, where he saw Mr. TenEyck, who had been 
informed that a " Yanl<:ee^'' had purchased a portion 
of his land. His hatred of the Yankees, and all that 
j)ertained to them was as violent as it was foolish, 
and he immediately gave Mr. Stoyell a verbal notice 



■ Morgan's Treatise on the League of tlie Irroquois. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF >[OP.AYTA. 7 

to qii it. No Yankee sliould settle near Itis land. He 
would refund tlie money paid, (the twent}^ shillings), 
and the Yankee must surrender the premises forth- 
with. He knew nothing of Mr. Stoyell, j^^'o or con, 
save that he was a Yankee, and therefore objected to 
him on r/enrral jyrlnclples. But in this instance he 
had • ' reckoned without his host. ' ' Mr. Stoyell vv as a 
3'oung man, energetic and ambitious, and knew that; 
in course o/ time, his land would be valuable. He 
had made a fair purchase, commenced making im- 
provements and would not yield to his unreasonable 
objection and demand. Mr. TenEyck, however, 
after inquiring in the neigborhood, as to wliat man- 
ner of man ''that Yankee Stoyell was," asc(^rtained 
that he was just the man for the place, and by his 
industry would not only pay for, and imiu'ove his 
- own farm, but also enhance the value of liis, (Ten- 
Eyck' s) adjoining lands. This so far overcame his 
X)rejudices, that he afterward ga^ie Mr. Stoyell the 
one hundred acres which he had bargained for, pro- 
viding he would use his influence toward star tiuR- a 
settlement there. After procuring tlie services of a 
carpenter, Stoyell returned to his farm, and ])uilt a 
frame house, just northwest of the j^resent site of 
' ' Jenning' s Block. ' ' There were but six men present 
at the raising, three white, and the Imlahce Indians, 
the only spectator being a i^quaic. 

Tliis was the iirst frame house built in the town 
of Moravia. Mr. •Stoyell was an entei'])rising, busi- 
ness man, and subsequently became the owner of 
lot number 88, half of h)t uumbei- 8'4, and a poi-tion 



8 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF :i[()I?AVrA. 

of lot number 93, part of which cost him from $12 
to $20,00 per acre. The next settk^rs in this town 
were Amos Stoyell, Winslow Peny and Jabez Bot- 
tom, who cnme in 1708, and GershoiTi Morse in 1794. 



CHAPTER II. 

Gersiiom Mokse — Mouse's Loa Hot'Se — Old Eoads 
— Mrs. Mokse ais^d her Ijstdiain^ Visitor — Squire 
Morse, and Extracts from his Docket — The 
Laavs Ets^forcement in 1807 — Justices and Con- 
stable Fees — Pains and Penalties — Public 
Stocks — ''Bad Spell." 

Gersliom Morse had been to tlie " Flats" previous 
to 1794, but only long enoiigli to satisfy himself that 
it Avas a desirable Locality for a settlement. He 
bargained with Jabez B()tt<)m, who came the year 
previous, for the tract of land, which is now occu})i- 
ed south of the village by the Morse family. He 
built a log house in the garden of the Morse family, 
near their 2)resent residence, the house had but one 
door, wdiich was upon the south side. "Wlien M]-. 
Morse was married he had no chnirs <^r tabh s, but 
these were soon manufactured, the former in the 
shape of what we call stools, aiid tlu^ talkie of two 
boards joined together and fastened by hinges into 
the side of tlie house, so that when not in us(\ if 
would be out of the way, and hang down b}' the side 
of the wall ; when wanted, one leg was nttncb.ed 
which held up the side unsupported by th(> wall. A 
laro:e oak tree was cut down near the hous(\ the 



10 HISTOFtrCAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

stuiii}) liollowctl out, and used with aji iron pestle for 
mill purposes ; several neighbors came there to 
pound out theii- corn, the nearest grist mill being 
16 miles distant. The road at tliat time, ran past 
the door of their house on the south, westerly across 
the Inlet south of the farm now owned by Wilford H, 
Yan Etten, and up West Hill, and from Morse's linc^ 
easterly along the ridge or brow of the hill east of 
the Fair Grounds and near the Brick Yard, to Mont- 
ville, and thence to Skaneateles. Another road led 
from near Morse's, across the "Flats" and Inlet, to 
near the Dean farm, where it terminated. After- 
w^ard the road over West Hill was abandoned, and 
another course taken, which ran south, just east of 
the old Cemetery and w^est of Dry Creek Falls, soirth 
to Locke. One day after this change had been made, 
Mrs. Morse being the only occupant of the log house 
was iceaGlng, the door standing open, when a shadow 
fell across the threshold, and upon looking for the 
cause, she beheld an Indian in fidl Indian costume, 
with tomahawk and scalping knife. She was terribly 
frightened, but the door was the only way of escape, 
and in this stood the Indian with either hand upon 
the door posts. !She however retained presence of 
mind enough to remain w^eaving, with apparent com- 
posure ; keeping an eye out, however, without seem- 
.yig to do so, upon her visitor, who remained motion- 
less and speechless for sevi^ral minutes, and then 
beckoned for her to come to tlu^ dooi-, which she did 
with great sliow of courage. There was really no 
cause for fear, for the Indian had lost his way, and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 11 

mei-ely stopped to iiiquin^ tlie diroctions, &v. He 
pointed to the West Hill where the road formerly 
led, and said, ""l^o see road," "No find."' Mrs. 
Morse point(^din the direction of tlie new road and 
to a mark on an adjoining tree, (the roads were mark- 
ed out in that way) and endeavoi-ed l)y various signs, 
to give him the proper directions, wdiicli he seemed 
to comprehend, and left, much to the ivlief of '^tlu! 
woman of the liouse." 

Gershom Morse was Justice of tlie Peact^ iji 1805, 
but whether he had held the office previous to that 
time, we are unable to learn. His Dockets shov/ 
that he was Justice for nuiny years, and had a thriv 
ing l)usin(^ss, both criminal and civil. He was a man 
of large physique and couragous. It is said that he 
would enter a ring during a tight (and tights wei'(^ 
frequent in these days, and savage too), collar tln^ 
parties engaged, and pull them apart as though they 
were two dogs, or knock them down if necessary, 
and line them on the spot, and in case of non-pay- 
ment, send them to jail forthwitli. 

The annexed miscellanecms items ai-e cojiied f]-oni 
his Docket, showing how legal business was trans- 
acted in his time, the f^es of officers, and other cur- 
i«)ry mattei'S. 

"April 2, 1807." 

Summons given to Asa Little, constable, in favor 
of E. Patty, against James Powers, returnable tlie 
10th instant, at 1 o'clock, afternoon, a subpoena given 
for three evidences. The Court calh^d, the parties 
present ; the plaintiff throws in liis charge, which 



12 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

was, James Powers to E. ratty, to damage done to 
a two year old heifer ; done by his dog, for wdiich 
the said Pattj^ charges ten dollars. The defendant 
pleads for a non-snit on account of a Sheriif' s execu- 
tion bluing levied on the lieifer, the plea not granted. 
The above cause taken out of Court and left to three 
men to settle : Cyrus Powers, Cotton Skinner and 
-Joiiii Stoyell, to be tried tins day, and all their dif- 
ferences between them to be settled. The parties 
agreed to leave out Cotton Skinner and Cyrus Pow- 
ers, and take John Bennett and Gershom Morse, w^ho 
got together and tried the cause, and brought in an 
award in favor of E. Patty, against James Powers 
for five dollars. 

Names of evidences : Preserved Gibbs, George 
Thompson, James Dresser, John Bennett, Zadoc 
Rhodes, John Hemmenway, Daniel Powers, John 
Powers, Lizzy Patty, Samuel Wright, OrriuAVright." 
Tiie following is a bill of costs in Justice's Court, 
in which Samuel Atkin was plaintiff, and Ephraim 
Hults defendant, on Dec. 23, 1808 : 

Summons, - _ _ . - j)9_ 

Constable fee, - - - - - .78. 

Adjournment, - - . . .09, 

Veiiire, - - - - _ . .12 1-9. 

Constabh^ serving venii'e, - - . .37 1-2. 

■ Swearing jury, - - - - _ .12 1-2. 

Sub})a'na, - - . - . .og. 

Judgment, - - - - - - .12 1-2. 



$1.77. 
Verdict of jury, . - - . 7.35. 

$0.12. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 13 

" To 1)6 paid out of til e ahom judginent 
to Cadi/s Tar^ern, for one pint of 
wJilskey,'''' - - - - - 0.19. 



$9.31. 

'.'County of Cayuga — ss. 

Be it remembered that on tlie 19th day of Janiiaiy, 

1807, Jeremiah Sabins, of Sempronins, was coHvicted 

before me, Gershom Morse, one of tlie Justices of 

the Peace of said county, of swearing one profane 

oatli, for which he was fined thirty-seven and on(^- 

jialf cents. Given under my hand, at Sempronins, 

January 19, 1807. 

GERSHOM MORSE, 

Justice.'''' 

'"The above nn^ntioned fine of Jerry Sabins, sent 
b}^ Cyrus Powers, Esq., to the poor master." 

"March 6, 1807. 
In o2Jen Court : — 

Elisha Smith was fined before me, Gershom 
Morse, Esq., for swearing four profane oaths, one 
dolhir and fifty cents, and refused to pay tlie sum 
before mentioned, therefore by warrant, was put 
publicly in the stocks for two hours, and the warrant 
returned on March 7, executed by 

M. MEACH, Const able:' 

"Sempronius, January, 1807. 
Personally ajipeared ])efore me, Gershom Moj-se. 
Esq., Asa Shadwick, of Locke, and makes oath that, 



14 IirSTOIlICAL SKETCIIKrt OF MORAVIA. 

and saith that Abol M(>acli, i)ei)uty Hiiei-itt* for the 
County of Cayuga, on the 13th day of Januaiy, ar- 
]'(^st(^l Barnabas Castoline, and set him the said Asa 
Cliadwiek over hhn, and that the said Barnabas Cas- 
toline made his' escape contrary to his wishes, or 
knowledge, and that by searcli he found his track in 
the snow, but being unabk^ to run could not obtain 
him. Given under my hand, this 19th day of Jan- 
uary, 1807. 

({ERSIIOM MORSE.'' 

IL^re is a sx)ecimen of bodil}' ailment and spiritual 
cure : 

^'Sempkonius, Jau. the 26, 1807. 

Warrant issued and served by Towner Whiting, 
constable of Locke, against James Rice of Locke, on 
the part of the people, on the complaint of Eli Clark 
for assault and beating. Tlie said James Rice pleads 
not guilty.'" 

"January 26. John Bennett on oath says: That 
on the 26tli about daylip;lit the complainant and de- 
fendant came to a settlenu^it by leaving out to him 
and J. B. Van Atta. After d(M'iding the matter both 
appeared well pleased, and agreed to drop the mat- 
ter. Jacob B. Van Atta on oath saj's : That on 
the 26th, after they got the warrant they were going 
to swear the constable. When they got to J. Kiese' s, 
the parties agreed to settle by leaving it out to two 
men, and left it out to John Bennett and himself. 
They agreed each to pay half the costs, tJiei/ then 
drinrft togetlier, and hotJi appeared to he well 
pleased.'''' 



I 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 15 

Doiiiestic iiiulicit}' and gciicial 'un2jJ<(iso'ntn('-'<fi 
resnltiiig tlieii'fioni : 

^•Januaiy the 28, 1807. 

On tlie complaint of Caleb King, of Locke, on be- 
half of tlie people for abuse, against Jacob B. YanAtta 
wlio complains and says : That on the 14th of Jann- 
aiy, tliis present month, did aluise his ^Yife Kancy, 
and for parting them, or trj-ing to part them, did 
violently assault liim, the said Caleb King, and 
kicked liiui so that he lias not enjoyed his liealth 
since, at the house of IVm. Wattles Inkeeper of 
Locl-ie. 

Janiiaiy 27. '\^^inia]it returned with the prisoner. 
After taking the examination of Caleb King, Eli 
Clark, James King and John Tan Buren, collectively 
together, concluded to discharge the prisoner, Jacob 
B.'^Tan Atta." 

The following scrap was found on a loose paper in 
one of those old Dockets, the originator of which is 
unknown, and which is copied verbatim : 

'^Sempko^-ius Mch 14, 1807 

Jon Aspel a|)]yde fer liseiic too retale speiitus 
lickers.'' 

Here is another : 

" Aug the 2, 1810 Esq Maus |)leas to send me that 
munny that is cummin to me Joseph Culver from 
Peter Bathwick to Joseph Culver by the barerer 
Joseph Culver ' ' 

The Morse family have resided upon tln^ same old 
farm for nearly eighty years ; the tirh^ to that farm 



16 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

is undoii})todly good in the family, tliey liaving 
been in undisturbed possession so long "that the 
memoiy of man runneth not to the contrary/' — 
The names of the children of Squire Morse being 
rather peculiar, are appended for the benefit of fam- 
lies in search of cognomens somewhat uncommon : 
Solomon, Abishai, Rachael Achsah, Orpha, Luc}', 
Iza Oma, Ency, Gershom, Laura. 

The Morse family belong to a hard}', long-lived 
race, several members are now over seventy years 
of age ; it has been said that the Morses never die 
— old Squire Morse is not around now, visibly, but 
there seems to be no actual knowledge of his death, 
lie merely passed cvway. The family is noted for 
strict honesty. 



CHAPTER III. 

Cotton Skixner — David Wi:igiit — Ciiakacteris- 
Tics OF THE Early Settlers. 

In tlie spring of 1795, a valuable acquisition was 
inacL^ to tliis little company, by the arrival of Cotton 
Skinner, wiio built a log house, near the present 
residence of Peter Robinson ; he was by trade a shoe- 
maker, and taken awl in all, was a very remarkable 
man. Of very f(M>lile iK^alth and limited capital, he 
had by frugal habits and perseverance for years, at 
the time of his decease, acquired a large property ; 
lie was very close in deal, but sti'ictly honest, and 
the wholesome rule ''owe no man anything" was 
as strictly applied to himself, as to his debtors. 

Mr. skinner was a benevolent man, doing good as 
In^ found opj^ortunity, and by inlluence and example 
did much to sustain the Congregational Church and 
Society of which he was a member. By his last will 
and Testament he bequeathed a large portion of his 
property to the Theological Seminary, at Aul)urn, 
N. Y. A few years after Mr. Skinner's arrival in 
Moravia, he l)ecame a merchant, and puichased his 



18 UISTOKICAL SKETCHES OK MORAVIA. 

goods and lucicJiandif^e at Utica, N. Y. Vpoii one 
occasion lie decided to take with liim to that place, 
his eldest son. Going to Utica was a great undertak- 
ing in those days, and produced considerable excite- 
ment in the mind of the boy, who "concluded, among 
other things, that better clothes were needed for the 
occasion, than those worn at home, which, though 
whole and clean, r(^presentcd several qualities of ma- 
terials and various colois ; therefore the son imme- 
diately suggested to his father the propriety of hav- 
ing a new suit ; but receiving ]io satisfactory answer, 
he was obliged to wait for a more couTenient season. 
When he again brought his fatlieis attention to the 
subject, he received for an answer, ''Guess clothes 
good enough at home, are good enough at Utica." 
But holding a different opinion from his father upon 
tliis subject (and what boy does not,) as the time of 
departure drew near, he again urged the necessity of 
his case, when he was vi^iy abruptly inteiTupted by 
his father's exclaiming, in his ovv'u peculiar manner: 
"Hum, Watfs ! Good clotlies do n't 'inalce a manP- 
In 1796, Samuel Wright arrived with his family 
and built a log house somewhat north of the farm 
now owned by L. O. Aiken, Esq. Among others who 
came in 1797 were David Wright and family. He 
removed from Otsego County, N. Y., to the "Flats," 
a distance of about one hundred miles. At the pre- 
sent time this Avould be a Journey scarce worth men- 
tioning, but in those days, with ox teams and heavj^ 
roads, it was very unpleasant and tedious, and consi- 
dered a great undertaking. Mr. Wright was thii'teeii 



HlSTiMlICAL SKfJTGirES OF MOKAVIA. 19 

(lays oil the road, l)ei]\Li; unable to tjuvel more than 
four miles per day, for a portion of the time. He 
stated that, if Ids memory was correct, there were 
l}ut two houses and a saw mill in Skanea teles at 
that time, the former luiilt in ''salt box" style. 
He was obliged to ford the lake at the above men- 
tioned place, carrying across in his arms, one at a 
time, his mother, wife and child, through water two 
feet in deptli. Tlie chihl was Cliauncey Wright, 
then seven moiitlis old. Mr. David Wriglit was at 
that time tvv-^enty-three years of age ; lie settled upon 
a tract of land, upon the Flats, now owned by Joseph 
Alle}^, which he cultivated for several j'enrs, and 
upon which he built a house ; his title, however, 
proved deiectiv(\ and he lost the farm aiid money 
paid therefor, and all im})]'ovements. In common 
with his neighbors, he suffered many hardshi})S, but 
had good health, and was generally happy and con- 
tented ; he was well educati^d, and in liis (^arl}' days 
occupied some time in teaching school. JL^ kept up 
with the political history of this count]'}' even dur- 
ing the last years of his life, and during the Rebel - 
ion was very confident that the Union forces would 
ultimately succeed, and the Union triumph ; he died 
on August 17th, I860 at the advanced age of ninety- 
five years and six montlis. 

The early settlers of this town w«^re mostly of Pu- 
ritanic descent, and l^rought with them the peculiar 
religious views which characterized the noble and 
self-sacrifieing men and women of Plymouth Rock. 

Their Sabl)aths were o])served witli tlie utmost 



20 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

strictness and rigid solemnity. Commencing at tlie 
going down of tlie sun on Saturday niglits and end- 
ing with sunset upon the following day. The inter- 
mediate time was occupied during the day largely 
with attendance upon church service. Three lengthy 
sermons being the usual allowance, and the halnnce 
of the time in instructing the children in the Catechism 
or r(>peating the li^'mns of th(> celebrated Dr. Watts. 
Satnrday nights were set apart as preparatory to the 
coming day. No secular tales, no bear, Indian, or 
even ghost stories stirred the imagination or aroused 
the fears of the little ones ; but Moses in the Rushes, 
Daniel in the Lion's Den, Jonah and his miraculous 
Sea Voyage, interspersed with short biographical 
sk(4('hes of the meekest, oldest, strongest and the 
wisest man, answered ecpially as good a purpose, and 
ended with a moral, calculatc^d to interest and tix 
the attention of the youthful niijids upon tlie his- 
toric teachings of the Bible. 

The early settlers were exact in all religious require- 
ments. They practiced that which they preached, 
and taught to their children and their children's 
children, what they l)elieved to be the teachings of 
Holy Writ. The Sabbath was a day when everything, 
except so called serious matters, was laid aside. 
Their walk and talk, and faces bespoke the day as 
certainly as did the family almanac. Children must 
walk slowly, and older people witli solemn stately 
tread, to tlie sanctuary ; no smiles, no joyous excla- 
mation broke the silence of tlu^ house, because '' 'twas 
Siuidav." 



ITISTOKICAL SKP:TGHES OF MORAVIA. 21 

Their religion was a serious thing. It cannot be 
deni-ed howevei-, tliat this was a good ckiss of peoph:^ ; 
honest, reliable, industi-ious and religions. But it 
may be doubted whether their manner of oliserving 
the Sabbath, and their general deportment u})()n that 
day, was calculated to im})ressupon the outer world 
a correct idea of the 8a])bath or of the religion taught 
by Jesus Christ, tlu^ Lord of the Sabbath and the 
Head of the Church. The Sabbath "was made for 
man," not to be desecrated by manual labor, or vain 
amusements, or worldly calculations and business, 
but to be enjoyed rationally, in church service, in 
tlianksgiving, in "going alxnit doing good," and in 
social conversation, endeavoring to turn the minds 
of men, upon this day of rest, to better thouglits and 
purposes. 

It is not a solemn day to the religious man. He 
has a right to rejoice and to hv happy. He ought to 
be glad, for upon that day "Christ arose fi-om the 
dead." He may rejoice always. Let him be of seri- 
ous countenance and of downcast eye who denies His 
Master, and tram])les upon His laws. L;'t li'm fear 
and ti'end^le Avho loves not His Heaveidy Father, 
whose blessings unnund)ered he has rec(Mved with 
tlioughtless indifftn-enc;' oi- unthaidvful heait. Let 
him go moui-ning and with a saddened mien. 

"But children of a Heavenly King 
Should speak their joys abroad." 

The early settlers clung with great tenacity to their 
extreme Puritanic views and practices, even longer 
than thosc^ who remained to<xether in the communi- 



23 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

ties from whence they emigrated. They were indus- 
trious citizens, generally physically strong and long 
lived, and taken all in all, averaged more than ordi- 
nary commiinities in intellect. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Miscellany — Old Records — Accidents by Field 
AND Flood — Bounty for Head of Wolves and 
Bears — Free C(»mmoners — Manumittance of 
Slaves — Ejectment — A Bad Specimen — Fiest 
School Hol^se and Store, 

The following memoranda is copied from an old 
record, tlie lirst page of wliicli bears tlie following 
inscription : 

''Zadok Cady's Book, 1799/' 

" Febrnary 22, 1807. John Locke died bj a wonnd 

in his thigh, cnt by a knife while killing a hog." 
'Mune 16, 1815. James Dresser's head broke by 

the limb of a tree."" 

" September 28, 1812. David Locke accidentally 

shot. Died the 29, in the morning.''' 

^' May 9, 1817, David Johns died by drinking." 
''Feb. 20, 1817. Jalxv. Bradley hnng himself.'' 
"April 25, 1818, James Powers' two children 

drowned, Saturday night." 

•'July 2, 1818. Jarcd Weeks died at Auburn, 

taking laudanum." 

•'July 13, 1822. Mrs. Stephens hung herself," 
'^Sept. 25, 1824, Oliver Piatt fell from a ladder 

and broke his neck," 



24 HISTORICAL SKETCIIE.S OF MOKAVIA. 

'• Jaimaiy 12, 1828. E. llevd killed by a fall from 
liis wagon.'" 

•' Jniit' 28, 1830. William Miicent luiiig himself." 

''January 11, 1831. Hiram Bishop died. Death 
caused by liquor." 

" Oct. 18, 1836. Abram Selover killed b}' liis wag- 
on turning over." 

"Aug. 30, 1837. Petit Smith killed by falling 
from his wagon." 

"June 12, 1842. Mr. Chamberlain killed by his 
house falling in a hurricane." 

"Aug. 24, 1843. Laban Wood killed while run- 
ning hordes." 

Obituary and business are sometimes intermingled, 
as witness the following : 

"May 29, 1805. James Croy, Dr. 

To 1 small coffin, six shillings — poisoned witJi 
laudanum.^'' 

"January 3d, 1805, reckoned with Moses Little, 
and found due to him two shillings two pence. Dr. 
to 1 pint wiiiskey, six pence." 

"May 21, 1806 Gideon Wheelock, Dr. 
To 1 small coffin, 4 shillings. 
1 pint whiskey, 6 pence." 
The following is aj^parently a running account. 

"May 2, 1805, Moses Little Dr. 
To boy to ride horse 1 day 18 pence. 
3 pints wiskey, 3 shillings. 
Boy to ride horse 1 day 18 pence. 
1-2 day horse ride, 9 pence. 



s 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 25 

1 pint wliiskey, one sliilling. 

3 " '' 3 shillings, 

1-2 day boy riding horse nine pence. 

1 jnnt whiskey, 1 shilling, 

4 quarts and 1 X)int, 1 dollar 12 pence. 

2 qnarts whiskey, 4 shillings. 
1 finger in a cradle, 18 pence. 

1 cheese press, 7 shillings 6 pence, 
1-2 day boy riding horse, 9 pence. 
1 pint whiskey, 1 sliilling." 

It is said that Lnther Wright, once a celebrated 
brick mason in this town, was accustomed to address 
his assistant in the following plain language. ' 'Brick, 
Mortar, Whiskey ! What I call for last, I leant 
firstr 

But it is doubtful whether he could intersperse 
business and pleasure, with the pliilosophical pre- 
cision manifested in the foregoing bill. 

Memoranda. — "To lind Mr, Howe, turn at Wyn- 
coop's farm, enquire of Esquire Purdy, ten miles 
from Geneva." Dated 1818. 

This old book also bears witness to the state of the 
weather : 

"April 12, 1821, began to snow, on the 16th fell 
six inches, on the 18 eight inches."' 

"June 8 and 9, 1823, frost each night. 
May 9, 1831, snow fell 10 inches deep. 
October 5, 1836, snow fell 6 inches deep." 
The following charges will show the price of vari- 
ous articles, labor &c. 



26 . HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

'•February 3, 1801, making one cherry table and 
bedstead $4,00. 

April 1, 1801, three lbs. butter, 8 shillings. 

"■ " " • making pair shoes, nine shillings six 
pence. 

Nov. 12, 180], 1 days work, eight shillings. 

Oct. 1, 1809, 1 bushel ('orn, 4 shilling. 
'' " '' tapiDing boots, 2 shilling. 
" " -' 2 1-2 bushels wheat, 1 dollar. 

Oct. ;U, 1800, use lio]-se 1 day, 2 shillings. 

Aug. 1, 1800, to 1-2 ton hay 12 shillings. 

Aug. 1, 1807, 1,000 shingles two dollars." 

The following items are copied from the old Re- 
cords of the Town of Sempronius : 

Town Meeting 1799, ' ' Voted that the town do pay 
the sum of Five Dollars for each head of every grown 
Wolf killed and taken off in town this year." 

Voted "That this Town shall pay One Dollar and 
Fifty Cents, for each and every head of a full grown 
bear, killed and taken off in said town the present 

year." 

(The foregoing is rather bear-faced.) 
In 1808, extra inducements were offered : 
"■Resolved that this Town pay Ten Dollars for the 
head of every full grown wolf that is killed and tak- 
en off in this town this year, and Five Dollars for 
every Whelp Wolf." 

(It is said that the latter animal, becoming exas- 
perated at this "unequal valuation," moved over 
into the town adjoining on the north, and that some 
'whelps' are to be found there to this day. This 



HISTORICAL SKP:TCIIES OF MORAVIA. 27 

however, smacks of tlie stories of Mark Twain, and 
should be taken witli a grain of precaution, unless 
the reader has some personal spite against that town, 
in which case this item can be enlarged to suit the 
occasion.) 

1806. Resolved. "That all Swine weighing seventy 
weight and upwards, shall he free commoners witli a 
good ring in the nose.'''' 

In 1814 the Swine Law- was rej)ealed, to wit : ' ' That 
Swine are not free commoners." (This last vote has 
a different ring to it.) 

Advertisement. — "Come into the enclosure of 
Thomas Summerton, the first day of November 1805, 
a white sheej) ram. SupjDOsed to be a lamb without 
any mark." 

Aggriculture — "1809, Resolved that every man 
that suffers Canada Thistles to grow on liis farm in 
this town, shall pay Five Dollars for said offence." 

Also in 1818. "Resolved that if any j)erson shall 
suffer and allow Canada Thistles to grow and to go 
to seed on Ins farm, and not cut them down in the 
old of the moon in August, so as to destroy the seed 
thereof, that every person so neglecting and offend- 
ing, shall forfeit and pay the sum of $2.50 for every 
such offence." 

"Be it remembered that Henry I. Brinkerhoff, of 
the town of Semprouius, on the 20th day of Septem- 
ber, 1811, came forward a]id had a certain negro fe- 
male child put on record ; the motlier of said child 
is his property' ; the female child is named 'Jute,' 
and w^as born March 19 day in the year 1811. The 
bill he signed, Henry I. Brinkerhoff." 



28 HISTORICAL SKETCni':S OF MORAA^A. 

Kiuaiiciputioii Prockiination : 

"Be it remembered that on tlie lo day of July, 
1820, Aaron Connover did ixWo the folh)wiiig manu- 
niittance to Tliomas, otherwise called Thomas Smith 
Jolnison, a negro man slave: 'To all whom these 
presents shall come. Know ye, that I, Aaron Con- 
nov(^r, of the town of Sempronins, in the County of 
Cayuga, have and do hereby manumit Thomas, oth- 
erwise called Thomas Smith Johnson, a negro man 
slave aged abont thirty yeais, and he is hereby dis- 
charged from all fnrther liability to me by means of 
being my bonden slave. Given under my hand, at 
Sempronins the 15 day of Jnly, 1820, in presence of 
Wm. Price. Aaron Connover, 

Ejectment, noleii volens. 

"Be it rembered, that the Overseer of the Poor 
for this town, has warned Ebenezer Pelton to remove 
out of this town, together with his family, immedi- 
ately. Done this 15 day of March, 1802." 

At Town Meeting, 1828. "Resolved that John 
VanDyne shall not be paid anything in consequence 
of, he says, being taxed too high, as setting a bad 
specimen." 

In the autum of 1798, a school house, sufficiently 
large to accomodate the children of the neighbor- 
hood, was built near the present residence of 
Dr. Alley, and a school taught therein the follow^- 
ing year by Levi Groodrich, and the second year by 
David AVright. 

The first store was opened by David AVright, in 
the year 1800, in a log house near the "Quaker Meet- 
ing House," on what is now known as the Cortwright 
farm. The next merchant w^as Cotton Skinner, who 
had a store in one part of the house in w hich he lived. 



CHAPTER V. 

Game — Beaks a]s^d Fouheak — PA]N"riiEKS — The 
Morse Boys aistd a "CxVTAMOUiST" — Wolves — 
Ttieik Attack upon David Wright a:ni) Family 
— Battle Betweex Morse's Doo and a Wolf — 
DeePw — Manner of Capture — First MAPJiiA(iE, 
Birth, axd Death. 

(Tame of various kind was alniiidant. Bears were 
less feared tlian wolves ; the former would seldom 
molest a man unless first attacked and wounded by 
him — they by general consent gave each other a wide 
berth. 

Upon one occasion, one of the settlers coming 
through the woods near Montville, found his path 
obstructed by a large tree, which had but recently 
fallen across it ; climbing upon it, he was greatl}' 
astonished to find himself in close proximity to a 
bear, which had also at that moment raised himself 
upon the other side of the log, preparatory to getting 
over. For an instant the man at least, was stupefied : 
" Stet erunt que comae et vox faucibus haesit." The 
log had put them at loggerheads. The man could 
not bear it, nor could the bear ; forbearance was 
apparentl}^ a virtue, and the next moment "neither 
stood u]>on the Older of his going, but went at once,'" 



30 HiSTOiacAi, sKETt'rip:s of mokavia. 

upon tlic back track, each sweariiii'- :ind roaiing in a 
mannrr satisfactory no doubt to himself, as distance 
lent enchantment to the view. 

Hogs were sometimes killed by tlie bears, it was 
cust<muiry to build log i)ens, in which they were 
enclosed. A X)en liow(n^er, which was built by Mr. 
Prouty, near the old red house near the head of the 
gulf, Avas entered several times and pigs carried off. 
Abisha Morse says that when a boy, he saw a bear 
on the flat now used as a Fair Ground ; but he soon 
disa^^peared. Panthers were seen occasionally ; two 
were killed, one near the ' ' Pinnacle " or ' ' Dry Cre€'k 
Gulf," and the other upon West Hill. When any of 
the early settlers were out after dark, it was custom- 
ary to carry a lighted torch, generally a pine knot, 
of which all wild animals stand in awe. Upon one 
occasion Abisha and G(n-shom Morse wen^ returning 
home, across the Flat, from East Hill, Gershom in the 
rear, and being so near home, had allow<^d his light to 
go out, when suddenly he heard a rustling and scrab- 
bling behind him, and saw, a few feet back, two glist- 
tening eyeballs, advancing, he sprang forward to his 
brother, who was a little in advance, crying : "Swing 
your torch ! Swing your tourcli ! " which he did and 
forthwith the eyes, with a long body and tail, went 
up a tree at a bound. The bo3^s always supposed 
that animal to be a "Catamount,''' as one was killed 
shortly after on Dry Creek ; but they didn't imiit to 
ascertain definitely at the time. 

Wolves Avere more numerous, and far more l)old 
and daring. Mr. David Wright informixl us. tliat 



IlISTORirAL SKETCHES OF MOIiAVIA. 31 

while lie lived on the faiin now owned by Jof>eph 
Alley, he went one night on foot, with hits wife and 
child, to xMt their nearest neighbor, who resided 
near the present residence of Roswell Brown ; al)()nt 
midnight they started on their way home, and had 
traveled abont one-half the distance, when the howl 
of a M^olf was heard upon the West Hill, which was 
immediately answered by one from Oak Hill. Mi-. 
Wright, knowing that danger threatened them, and 
being entirely unarmed, canght his child in his arms, 
and hastened homeward, with all possible spec>d. 
The howling increased, and from every direction, 
sounding nearer and nearer, until when they reached 
the house exhausted, they had but time to close the 
door before the wolves rushed against it from the out- 
side. 

Unfortunately the guns had been loaned the previ- 
ous day, and no weapons were in the house, so that 
the inmates were obliged to hear the terrible howling 
of the hungry animals, around the building, until 
nearly daylight, when they decamped, with apeptites 
unabated by their nights adventure. Mr. Wright 
the next .day brought home the guns, and also a 
large bull dog (which had also been absent on a 
neighborly visit, for a ft;w days). That night the 
howling of the previous evening was repeated, but 
with different results. Two wolves got before^ Mr. 
W right' s old ' ' flint lock ' ' and laid down, in their last 
sleep. Their skin made an excellent bed for the old 
watch dog. The following night, dog and gun Avere 
ready for business, but watched in vain for their ene- 
my ; the balance of the pack had left on suspicion. 



32 HISTOllICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

The same party, one evening just after dark, was 
coming home fiom a neighbor's, a few miles out of 
town, and living north of the "flats,'.' was crossing 
the woods north of Montville Falls, when he heard 
w^olves not far in his rear, barking in a manner 
which satisfied him that they were on his track. 
He therefore made for a crossing with whicli he was 
familiar, hoping to get over the creek and up on to 
the hill, before they evertook him ; but as he reached 
the creek, he distinctly heard the animals running 
and panting but a short distance back. As his only 
safety was to climb a tree, he Avas anxious to reach 
the top of the hill, thinking that his cries for help 
would be heard from his house ; at some considera- 
ble risk of being overtaken, he scrambled up the 
steep bank and never stopped to look around until 
he was safely seated in a tree top ; here he waited 
patiently, but no wolves came, and after hallooing 
in vain for help for a long time, be slowly descended 
the tree and made for home. The next morning he 
returned to the creek, and found that the wolves had 
not crossed the log, but tracks were plenty at the 
crossing and up and down the creek for several rods. 

The Morses give an account of one that came 
through their yard in the evening, and which was 
attacked by a large dog belonging to their father ; 
after a severe struggle the wolf escaped, and the 
dog came into the house badly used up, a piece of 
skin being torn off his side as large as a man's hand. 
Mother Morse thought best to make some salve for 
the wound, but the "Squire" said no, the dog will 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 33 

doctor that. Next morning the dog dug a liole in 
the ground, in which he lay with the wonnd next the 
soil, and the wound soon healed. 

Hunting deer was the favorite sport of the early 
settlers. One mode of capturing them was as fol- 
lows : After pntting the dogs npon the track, tho 
hunters would hasten to the lake, (Owasco), carefully 
secrete themselves and await tlie arrival of the deei-, 
who were sure, after being hotly pursued, to run as 
a last resort, into the lake, swim around, entirely un- 
der water, excepting a small portion of the head, and 
land at a different point, in order to throw the dogs 
off the track. Immediately upon the deer entering 
the lake however, the hunters emerged from their 
place of concealment, and in rough boats hewn from 
the body of white-wood trees, start in pursuit, over- 
take the animal, and after a blow upon the heap 
with a mallet, cut its throat, and tow the carcass to 
the land. The meat wati dried or salted : the tallow 
manufactured into candles, and the hide into shoes. 

The first child born in the settlement was a son of 
Winslow and Rachael Pei'iy, in the summer of 1794. 

The first marriage was of Sally, a daughter of the 
same, to Jonathan Eldridge, in 1795. And the first 
burial that of Cynthia A., daughter of Gideon and 
Hannah AVright, April f), 1796. She was l)uri<(l near 
the "Dresent residence of John G. Caldwell. 



1 



CHAPTER VI. 

Ciiuiiciip:s— First Coxcijeuational Cituroii — It.s 
Orgaxizatiox — BuiLDixG — Names of Pastors. 

The Congregatioiialists are descendants of a peoi:)lG 
formally belonging to the counties of Nottingham, 
Lancashire and Yorkshire in England. Desirous of 
enjoying a purer religion, they separated from the 
English Establishment in 1602, but persecutions aris- 
ing against them, they were obliged to liee to Hol- 
hmd, where thoy ri^mained for a season unmoh^sted, 
l)ut linally embarked for America and landed at Ply- 
mouth Rock, Dec. 22d, 1820. There they were free 
to worship God according to the dictates of their 
own consciences, and though in an unknown land, 
in the midst of dangers seen and unseen, the wild 
woods rang with praise to God, the anthems of the 
free. This was the foundation of the Congregational 
Church in America, 

A large portion of the first settlers of Moravia were 
Congregational ist>;, and on the 12th day of March, 
1806, a meeting was held for the purj^ose of organi- 
zing a Church and Society. At that meeting a Con- 
fession of Faith and a Fonn of Covenant w(^re adopt«'d, 
and after presenting pi-oper testimonials of meml)e]'s 



36 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

and relating tlieir religious experiences, tlie follow- 
ing named persons were received to communion and 
fellowship, as tlie "First Congregaticmal (Jliurch of 
Senipronius," viz: 
John Stoyell, Justus Gibbs, 

Cotton Skinner, Levi H. Goodrich, 

John Phelps, Esther Locke, 

Sarah Warren, Mary Curtis, 

Elizabeth E. Monow, Abigail Spafford, 

John Locke, . Joseph Butler, 

Jacol) Spafford, Lois Stoyell, 

Sarah Stoyell. 

Levi H. Goodrich w^as chosen Deacon and Clerk. 
John Stoyell, Cotton Skinner and Levi H. Goodrich, 
Trustees. 

Rev. Koyal Phelps was the first Pastor of the 
church. 

At a meeting of the church, held April 2d, 1808, 
Mr. John Stoyell w^as unanimously chosen Deacon in 
place of Levi TI. Goodrich, resigned. Mr. Sto^'ell 
held the office until the time of his death, wdiicli oc- 
curred in 1842. having been a consistent and active 
member of the church for thirty-four years. 

In the summer of 1814, a brick School House was 
built, and tliougli used for secular purposes, afforded 
a more suitable and convenient place of w^orship, 
than the society previousl}' had. 

It appears from the church records, that but few 
additions were made to the church for several years. 
Perhaps for this reason, a church building w^as not 
errected. The first meetinu' for consultation in re- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVTA. 37 

gard to building, was held JN'ovcmber 5, 1816, wlieii 
it was resolved "that we build a meeting house fifty 
by forty feet with a steeple." A committee to soli- 
cit subscriptions was also apj^ointed. In December 
followiiig. liowever, tlie idea was abandoned on ac- 
count of financial cni])ai-rassnients. No pnrticulav 
chang(» was apparent in tlic cJinrch until the 3'ear 
1822, when there was a general awakening among its 
members, and those connected with the Society, 
which resulted in n large number of (!Oversions. 
Thirty-nine united with the church, increasing the 
whole number to ninety-three members. 

The following year, 182;>. the building now occu- 
])ied by the society was elected, under the supervi- 
sion of Daniel Goodrich, Senioi', and Henry King, 
architects. The very nnnie of the chief build(n' was 
a sufficient guarantee at that time, of substantial 
labor and unsurpassed material, and half a centurie's 
exposure to the elements attests the wisdom of his 
judgment, and the stability of his workmanship.— 
The cost of the })uil.ding was estimated at seven 
thousand dollars. The land upon whicli it was 
built, with additional for a spacious yard, was do- 
nated to the Society, by Deacon John Stoyell. Sen. 

The society has been foi-tunate in procuring minis- 
ters, so that since its organization, it has not been for 
any great length of time without the preached word. 

In 1831 forty p(MSi)ns united with the church, and 
in 1843, after un extensive revival, sixty-five more 
were added. 

Of this last i-(>vival. which was not confined to 



38 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

this diurcli, l)iit in which all tho Churches were en- 
gaged, Mr. Isaac Cady, then Church Clerk, says :— 
"The season of revival just passed has been one of 
deeper interest than has ever been known before in 
this town. It commenced about the middle of March 
and continued about live weeks in this community 
and the neighljorhood around us. Probabh' not less 
than one hundred and fifty persons in town became 
the subjects of this glorious work." 

The tdtal number of names aj^tpearing upon the 
Church Record is 591. None of its lirst members are 
now living. This church has been for many years a 
leading church of this denomination in this vicinity. * 
At an early day the Temperance Question was agi- 
tated, and strong grounds taken in favor of total 
abstinance from intoxicating liquors. 

In 1846, when many churches were neutral, or un- 
decided, this church took a decided stand against 
Slavery, and Resolutions were drafted, and passed 
by a unanimous vote, and spread upon the Records 
of the church, upon this important subject. One of 
these resolutions, all of which are brief but pointed, 
is as follows : 

"While church censures for unchristian conduct 
must be in the light of the circumstances connected 
with each particular case, yet neither the persevering 
and determined practice of the principle of Slavery, 
nor the commission of any enormities connected 
therewith, ought to be tolerated in any church com- 
munion." 

These Re>^oluti(t]is are leferii'd tct, not onlv as an 



niSTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAYIA. 39 

expression of Mie views of the eliui'cli at tliat time, 
but sli owing tlwvic/al of wliieli it was composed. 

Sixty-S(n-en years have passer! since tlie first names 
were inscribed upon its Records. To the people at 
hirge, scarce else but the names of those persons 
rc^main, and even these may be forgotten. Tlieir 
lives were simple, '•" Xo boast of heraldiy, or pomp 
of j)ower," 

"Far from the maddening croAvds ignoble strife, 
Their sober wishes, never learned to stray, 
Along the cool sequestered vale of life. 
They kept the noiseles.s tenor of their way." 

But as the originators of tliis church, to its mem- 
bers their names are precious, and will doubtless 
remain in high repute long after the present genera- 
tion shall have passed away. 

The following is a list of the names of the pastors 
of tins church, so far as the same can be ascertained 
to the present time, 1872 : 

Rev. Greorge Taylor, who remained frf)m 1825 until 
the time of his death, which occurred June 10, 1842. 

Rev. S. P. M. Hastings, 1842, 1843, 1844, 184,"). 

Rev. A. N. Leighton. 1846. 

Rev. Luther Conkl in, 1846. 1847, 1848, 1840. 18r)(). 
1851. 

Rev. A. Austin, 1852. 

Rev. R. S. Egleston, 1852, 1853, 1854. 

Rev. U. Powkl, 1855, 1856, 1857. 

Rev. P. P. Bates, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1801. 1862. 

Rev. C. A. Conant, 1863, 1864. 

Rev. J. B. Morse, 1865, 1866. 



40 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

Rvv. E. Benedict, 1867, 18G8, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1872. 

Kev. Charles Ray, 1872. 

Til is Society lias purcliasetl an Organ, at a cost of 
si, 200, and contemplate thoronglily ivpairing tlie 
clivricli l)uilding during the coming year. A heavy, 
line toned bell was i)]'esent»'d to the Society, Jiinnar\ 
1st, 1868, by Mrs. Sophia Jewett. 

UjVIYEESALIST CTiinu'ir. 

The iirst advocate of the doctrine of Universalisni, 
was l)v. Ohauncey, of Boston, in 1784. Writers np- 
on this subject have })een nnmerous, and great dif- 
ferences of opinion have existed among them ; one 
portion holding that maidvind receive their pnnish- 
ment in this world, and that they are at death imme- 
diatel}^ admitted to the joys of heaven. The other, 
that but part punishment is received in this life, but 
that the correction and discipline of the soul extends 
into the other world, where it will ultimately be prc^- 
])ared for glory. 

In 1815 the Universalists built a house in Moravia, 
where for a time, they met for religious exercises ; 
but the building was afterward used as a dwelling- 
house, and no other has been erected. It is believed 
that this Society adhered to the former doctrine and 
belief above mentioned. They have occasionally 
held meetings in the village, but iio clnnch has be(^n 
established. 

.METHODIST CHUlitTI. 

The Methodists owe their origin to Jolin AVesle}', 
a man "zealous of good works," who labored inde- 
fatigably in the cause which he had espt)used. In 



HISTORICAL «KETriIES OF MORAVIA. 41 

this work lie was ably assisted by the eelebiated 
George Whitetield. who met with uiu'xaiiii)l<'d sue- 
cess in his ministrations. j\Iethodism was introduced 
into America in 170(>, since wliicli time it has gradn- 
ally increased iji power and followeis, until the 
Methodists are now the largest body of pi-ofessing 
Christians in tlie United States. 

Al)out the year 1818 or 1819, a Methodist preacher, 
liev. John Ercanbrack, visited the ''Flats'"' and 
])reaclLed in the Brick School Honse. Snbseqnently 
arrangements were made whereby services were held 
regularly once in two wc^eks. We cannot ascertain 
that any church was organized at tliat time. (»r when 
a class was formed. 

In 1847, a church having been esta])lislied, a neat 
Chapel vv'as built, sufficieiitl}' large at that time, but 
which as the Society increased in numbers proved tof) 
small, and a new l)rick building of modern archi- 
tecture, an oi-nament to the village and a lasting 
monunn^nt of the ]i])erality of the people, ada])ted 
to the wants and comfort of the congregation, has 
been ei'ected, to wit : in 1872, at a cost of twenty 
thousand dollars. The Society is now in a prospei- 
(ms condition spiritually and temporally. There is 
a degree of open-hearted sociability among tlie mem- 
bers of this denomination which is attractive to many 
who sekhmi attend other cliurches. The outer portals 
of the church are always open to those who desire to 
know if the Lord is good ; while the doctrines of the 
inner courts cordially welcome to full and equal fel- 
lowship all who having prov(xl faithful for a season, 



42 HlfSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

desire to devote tlieir lives and energies to the service 
of their ]\Iaster, according to its pecnliar teachings 
and beliefs. Its membership is large. 

The names of the clergymen who liave had charge 
of the Society, so far as the Same can be ascertained, 
are as follows : 

David Cobb, 1840. 

Sylvester Brown, 1851 . • 

E. C. Curtis, 1853. 

A. B. Gregg, 1863. 

J. B. Hyde. 

A. M. Lake, 1863 to 1865. 

Hiram Gee, 1865 to 1867. 

William Jerome, 1867 to 1870. 

Daniel W. Beadle, 1870 to 1872. 

Andrew J. Kenyon, 1873. 

EPISCOPAL OIIURCn. 

The first Episcopal Church organized in this coun- 
try was at Jamestown, Va., in 1608. We find in the 
history of this Church in Moravia, that its origin 
and progress are to be attributed largely to the un- 
tiring exertions of Mr. Dudley Loomis, who came 
with his family to this village in 1816. 

It is said that a pebbh^ dropped into mid-ocean 
starts a wave, which though almost imperceptible at 
first, is felt upon the coast of either continent ; and 
that our feeble breath sets in motion a current of air 
whose influence extends to the farthest bounds of 
atmosphere. So incidents in the lives of humble 
individuals are often productive of momentous re- 
sults, which will be felt throughout ages yet to come. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 43 

We copy from a llistoiy of tliis Cliurcli, by Rev. 
Henry Gregory, a very able and devoted eliurclnnan, 
who formerly liad charge of this parish : 

"It was a favorable circumstance that the individ- 
ual who was instrumental to the introduction of 
Episcopal services into this village, was of good re- 
port, of blameless integrity, of sound judgment, of 
steady but unobtrusive piety, and universally es- 
teemed for liis plain and honest v/ortli, as a citizen, 
a neighbor, and a friend, lie lived therefore above 
the suspicion of improper motives, and his example 
carried with it an intluence more steady, and in the 
end more prevailing than any principle of mere in- 
terest or of party strife. He was sincerely attached 
to tlie Protestant Episcopal Church, and he believed 
that the services of that communion would prove tf) 
be a general and public benefit to his neighborhood. 
With this ])ersuasi()n, and after having several times 
attended public woi'ship v.dth the congregation at 
Auburn, he obtained from the clergyman of that 
place, a promise to visit the 'Flats.' Tlie Rev. Lu- 
cius Smith, Rector of ISt. Peter s church, Unburn, 
and o]ie of the Diocesan Missionaries, made his first 
visit to Moravia on Monda^^, June 23, 1822. On tln^ 
evening of that day he officiated and preached in the 
Brick School House, and a second service was held 
on the next day — the festival of St. John the Baptist 
— at th(^ Methodist Chapel in l^ocke. There Mr. 
Smith preached and administ(^ivd tlie Sacrament of 
the Lord's Su})per to six members of tlie Episc(^pal 
communion beside several of other (hMiominations." 



4-i HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVI.\. 

The next day, June 25, another meeting was held 
at tlie ]h>uso of Lawrence Wormer, in Locke, when 
it was resolved to be (^xpinlient to organiz*' a Society 
to belong to the Protestant Episcopal C'hurch. A 
Vestry was also chosen for the Society, which as- 
sumed the titl(^ of ''St. Mathew's Church/' Moravia. 
Before the meeting was adjourned, a committee was 
appointed to circulate a subscription, for the pur- 
pose of building a church ; and at the end of two 
days money and matei'ial for building, amounting in 
value to Eight Hundred Dollars, liad been subscribed. 
The frame of the building was raised in Jane, 1823, 
and the work progressed so rapidly that in .Vugust 
following, religious services w^ere lield there, con- 
ducted by Rev. Lucius Smith. The building, liow- 
ever, was not entirely iinished until 1826, and was 
burned in 1842. In the following year a new one 
was erected upon the same site. 

It w^ould seem that the organization in Locke, w^as 
for some reason defective, or informal, for in 1828 a 
meeting was held at which a Society was organized 
under the name of "St. Mathew's Church," at which 
meeting Dudley LooHiis and Warren Rowley were 
(diosen AVardens. 

The lirst visit of the Bishop of the Diocese to the 
church, was on the 10th day of September, 1826, 
when the church was dedicated to the service of God, 
and seventeen persons were conlirmed in the obliga- 
tion of their baptismal covenant. 

This church, which has never been large, has shown 
commendable zeal in sustaining public worship, and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF .MOlt.VVIA. 45 

observing tlie general ordinances and tenets ii])oh 
which it is founded. 

The following is a list of the names of tln^ Rectors 
of the church : 

Seth Beardsley, Beardsley Northrop, Henry Greg- 

or}', Miner, Phelps, E. W. Eager, 

^Vin. Paret, John Leach, Martin Moody, Beardsley 
Northroji, Charles Beardsley, Alex. H. Rogers, Pey- 
ton Gallegher, Benj. F. Taylor, Alex. H. Rogers. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

No Baptist church was organized at this place un- 
til I'eceiitly ; the memliers of that denomination at- 
tending service at Milan. 

On the 22d day of June, 1870, a church was formed, 
and regular exercises have since been observed at the 
Public Hall, and latterly at the Congregational 
House ; the Rev. M. H. Perry officiating as Pastor. 
The Society have purchased a lot on the corner of 
Aurora and Factory Streets, and propose erecting a, 
liaiidsome and commodious church edifice tliereon. 

CATHOLIC CIITJRCII. 

An organization of St. Patrick's Church was eff«H*t- 
(^d in Moravia in 1872, and the building formerh^ oc- 
cupied b}^ the M. E. Church purchased and removed 
to a lot on Grove Street, and services are now con- 
ducted therein semi-monthly. Rev. Father A. Pa- 
ganinni officiating. 

It is to be hoped that the influence of this Church 
may be instrumental in doing much good among the 
class of people reached by its ministrations. 
6 



4G msTor.icAL sketches of morayia. 

QUAKEll MEETING HOUSE. 

'I'lic Quaker Meeting House was built in 1822 by 
Qualvers or "Friends," and was occupied by tlieni 
for holding meetings until tlie year 1840, when the 
house and premises were sold to the Methodists, who 
held occasional services until 1859. Tlu^ property 
was then tmnst'ered to a Society organized under the 
statutes of this State pertaining to Cemetery Asso- 
ciations. 

At a meeting held Febrnar}' 23, 1859, for the pur- 
pose of forming such Association, Thomas Ferguson 
was chosen Chairman, and ^V. W. Austin, Clerk. 
The following named persons were present : — Hiram 
Hunt, William Parker, Isaac Sanford, Ward AV. 
Austin, Selden Curtis, Andrew Edmunds, William 
Pressey, John P. Wood, Samuel Burlingham, Wat- 
son AVood, Thomas Ferguson, Cliristian Fritts, Will- 
iam Harris, and Isaac Wood. The corj^orate name 
there determined upon was "The Moravia Union 
Cemetery Association. ' ' Nine Trustees were elected, 
a Certificate of Incorporation was drawn and prop- 
erly executed, and recorded in the County Clerk's 
OtRce of Cayuga County, on March 31, 1859. 

At another meeting of the Association, held Octo- 
ber 29th, 1859, the sum of $437,50 was subscribed for 
the purj^ose of repairing and comfortably furnishing 
the house. 

Among the By-Laws of the Association is the fol- 
lowing : — 

"The Chapel pertaining to the grounds owned by 
this Association, shall be free. First — For funei-als. 



irrsTORicAL ske;tc!1i:s of moiiavia. 47 

Second — For pul:)lic services of all religious denomi- 
nations ; and the term religious denominations, sliall 
be lield to include all acknowledging the supremacv 
of God/' 

Services ar(^ now gemnully held semi-monthly, 
conducted alternately by clergymen from the village, 
or 1)}' special appointment from adjoining towns. 

The Chapel is very neatly built, accessible from all 
points at all seasons of the year, is located in a beau- 
tiful section of country, and the meetings held are 
generally well attended. The original owners, the 
Quakers, mostly resided west of this town and near 
(Jayuga Lake, while occasionally a family was to be 
found in this vicinity. But few of that denomination 
attended the meetings except upon special important 
occasions, Init the world's people were gv'nerally well 
repres(4ited. 

From this brief synopsis of Religious Societies, it 
will be seen that from the early settlement of this 
town, its inhabitants have not been unmindful of the 
moral and religious influence wielded by the churches. 

The organization of one of their number (the Con- 
gregational, ) was effected as soon as a few faniili(^s 
settled within a convenient distance to attend service. 
Others were established when a sufficient number of 
the same denomination coidd be gathered together, 
and it is certainly a matter of congratulation and of 
public interest, that these different denominations, 
now existing here, labored with marked earnestness 
and success, and are prosjierous and increasing in 
strength and religious vitality. 



48 TiisTOHicAL ,sket(;hek of MORAA'IA. 

iS'oiH^ of tlu'iTi claim peiiVction ; neither is tlie me- 
dium of t^tilvation to the exclusion of the others. — 
'rh(> o-reat object of the Christian Clinrches is to aid 
in l)iinging men to "Love the Lord tlieir God witli 
all their hearts, and their neighbors as themselves." 
All believe in "God the Father, Maker of Heaven 
and Eai'th, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son our 
Lord." They differ in the outward forms of worship 
and church government ; but these are of minor im- 
2)ortance. Religion does not consist merel}" in litui-- 
gies or ceremonials, and is not dependent upon par- 
ticular church polity. In the essentials of religious 
worship, the Orthodox Cliristian Churches are a 
unit. In spirit and in truth they are one. To be 
sure unthinking and faultfinding men have endeav- 
ored to use as an argument against religion the diver- 
sity of the churches, tlieir different forms of worship, 
their disagreement upon certain minor points of 
church government, and claim that if there is any 
such religion as the churches profess, all would be 
united in one bod}', one form, one creed, a unit in 
everything. ' But such an argument is devoid of logic . 
It is to be doubted whether immediate consolidation 
of the churches would be advisable, could it be 
accomplished. There is doubtless at this time, much 
more strength in the churches as they are, than if 
but one existed. The time has not yet come when 
even those "who call themselves Christians" can 
unite in everything pertaining to the manner of wor- 
ship, and of doing labor in the vineyard of the Lord. 
Tlio Methodist brother can, or thinks he can, "enjoy 



IIISTOUrCAL SKETCHES OV MORAVIA. 49 

religion" best a.s a Methodist. By nature he is a. 
Methodist, and a great joy and eonil'ort would be 
taken I'rora him could he not sliout his ''Amens'' and 
"Praise the Lord," when he Avislied and witli the 
utmost freedom. The Episcopalian dislikes this 
freedom ; he observes decorum ; he reads his prayers 
witli unvarying exactness, montli after mont]i, and 
yv'cW after year; his Amens are as fixed as were the 
laws of the Medes and Persians. Tlie Congregation- 
alist loves formality and lufonnalWy ; freedom tc(ju- 
Jated not by Bishox>, Priest, or Synod, but b_y the 
'•Avill of the i)eoi)le ;■' he governs himself and his 
churcli at the same time ; he is liberal and demo- 
cratic ; he is a Congregationalist in all his symj)a- 
thies and afi'ections. Tlie Baptist may be cleansed 
''along side of" the Congregationalist ; it has been 
said (and the expression is borrowed.) that a Baptist 
is only a wet Congregationalist ; he believes in self 
government ; he wants but little ceremony ; his forms 
are few, but those he will most strenuously insist 
upon Jiaving observed to the letter. 

Now put these several denominations together, and 
govern them by one set of rules, adapted to all ; re- 
construct upon one conmion ceremonial basis these 
different and iinassimilated elements. It certainly 
cannot now be done. The writer is not unmindful 
of the diversitj* of opinion upon this subject, and is 
awai'e that there are intelligent and exemplary mem- 
bers of the several churches who are willing to cast 
aside all minor considerations, and unite in one body, 
with one common (^reed and Cliurch Polity : but the 



'yQ UIHTORICAL SKL'TCIfES OF JIOKAVIA. 

average ('luii-cliiiiaii is unpn'pan'd, and dissents iVons 
this. AVlieu men all grow to the same lieight spirit- 
ually, wlicii ill their likes and dislikes they all arcord, 
wiicn tlicy are educated alike, and think, pray and 
s-ing in imitation each of tlic othci', tlien if any i,< 
needed, one church might be established. I'ntil that 
time, sing on. Oh ]Mt>tli(^dist, and Shout for Joy ! 
''Upon this Rock," Oh Episco])alia]i, Repeat your 
Litau}', and Hymn your TeDeum rejoicing. Rejoice, 
Oh Baptist as ye '"go down into" and "come out 
of ' ' the elemental characteristics of 3' our Faith. Re- 
joicing all in the freedom wherewith Christ hath made 
you free. Diverse in ceremonial r^, in faith, oiie peo- 
ple, whose God is the Lord. 

Let him who desires to bccouie a church member, 
choose the cliurch in which he caii be the most us(^- 
ful, and v^diich seems best adapted to his taste and 
social relations, and i]i which he can best serve the 
great Head of the Church. And whereA'er he casts 
his lot, let him remember that Christians of all de- 
nominations are of on(^ brotherhood, all laboring in 
the same cause, and for the attainment of the same 
object, ''laborers togetlier with Clod." 

VALUATION OF (III KCII mOPElJTY. 

Tln^ total valuation of church property in this 
town is (estimated at Ji5o(),000. The amounts paid 
annnally for sustaining the several Churches and 
Societies, from Sr^n,000 to $5,.^50 ; and for benevolent 
pui-poses annually $600. 



CHAPTER VII. 

MoKAYiA Institute — Fiest TiinsTEEs — Names of 
•Teaciieus. 

The Morn via Institute Building was erected in 1838. 
Tlie iirst Board of Trustees consisted of tlie following 
named gentlemen : 

Hon. Rowland Day, President ; Calvin Whitwood. 
Dr. Hilem Bennett, Deacon John Stoyell, Leonard 
O. Aiken, Hon. Ebenezer Smith, Artemas Cady. 
Chauncey Wright, Orsamus Dibble, Robei't Mitchell, 
Daniel Goodrich, Loj^al Stoyell, Trustees. 

The first teacher was Elbridge Hosmer, wIk) was 
Principal of the school for five years. The School 
Recoid was burned a few j^ears since, so that it is 
impossible to obtain a reliable history of its progress. 

The Institute has sent out from its halls a large 
number of professional and business men, wIkj have 
done credit to tliemselves and to their Alma JMatei-. 

The names of some of the Principals of this school 
are appended : 

Elbridge Hosmer, Samuel D. Carr, Livings- 
tone, — Kinnev. William Parett. John Leech. 



52 HLSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAAI.V. 

Robert Mitchell, Martin Moody, Wesb^y W. Wlll- 
onghby, J. S. Holbrook, JoliiiG. Williams, Miss Amy 
Frost, Phylander P. Bates, Watson C. Squires, 

Goodell, Dysart, Eugene Proctor. Miles 

G. Hyde, Alex. H. "Rogers. 



i 



CHAPTER VIIL 

The Village Named — Old Se^ipkojstius — First 
- Towjsr Meeting — First Toavn Officers — One 
Man with Six Offices — Ezekiel Sayles— In- 
corporated— Presidents AND Clerks — Division 
OF the Town of Sempronius — Supervisors and 
Town Clerks. 

In tlie year 1813 a meeting was called for tlie pnr- 
pose' of adopting a suitable name for the village, 
theretofore known only as the "Flats." It was 
there voted "That this Village be called Hamburg." 
But it was afterwards ascertained that another town 
in this State claimed prior title to that appellation, 
and a subsequent meeting was held, at which Mr. 
Cotton Skinner proposed the name of ''Moravia," 
which was unanimously adopted. 

The first Town Meeting for the Town of Sempro- 
nius, which was then a part of the County of Onon- 
daga, was held at the house of Ezekiel Sayles, on 
Tuesday, the 3d day of April, 1798. Present and 
presiding, John Stoyell, Esq., Justice of the Peace. 
The following town officers were elected : 

Town Clerk, Ezekiel Sayles ; Supervisor, John 
Stoyell ; Assessors, Moses Little, James Brinkerhoff ; 
Poad Commissionei-s, Jacob L. HeWitt, Ezekiel 
7 



54 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

Sayles, Moses Cole; Constables and Collectors, Amos? 
Stoyell, Isaac Shaver; Poor Master, JolmSummerton; 
School Commissioners, John Stoyell, Seth Burgess, 
Jacob L. DeWitt ; Pound Master, Ezekiel Sables ; 
Fence Viewers, Abraham Johnson, Henry Cuyken- 
dall, John Summerton, WinsloAV Perry, Peleg Allen ; 
Commissioners of Highways, Moses Tuttle, AVinslow 
Perry, Jonathan Eldridge, Zadoc Titus, George Park- 
er, Henry Osterhout, James Brinkerhoff, Peleg Allen ; 
Commissioners of Public Lots, Gershom Morse, Cor- 
nelius Buiiew, John Abbott. 

At the next Town Meeting the ticket was made up 
mostly of Mr. Sayles, to wit : 

Town Clerk, Ezekiel Sayles ; Assessor, Ezekiel 
Sayles ; Commissioner of Roads, Ezekiel Sayles ; 
Pound Master, Ezekiel Sayles ; Commissioner of 
Public Lots, Ezekiel Sayles. He was at the same 
time Justice of the Peace — making in all six offices. 

At the present time fears of a centralization of 
power would be entertained, under similar circum- 
stances, and from the Records it would appear that 
Mr. Sayles did not increase in popularity, but that 
for several years thereafter, he did not at any one 
time, hold more than four or five town offices. He 
held the office of Town Clerk for only twenty-two 
years ; Commissioner of Highways, eighteen years ; 
Pound Master, sixteen years. 

Town Meetings were held at the houses of Mr. 
Sayles, Seth Burgess, and William Satterlee, succes- 
sively, until 1813, when they were held at the Bap- 
tist Meeting House until 1820, and thereafter at the 
houses of Zadoc Titus and Frederick Pendelton. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 



55 



The last Town Meeting before the division of the 
town, was held at the house of Joseph Lee, 

We give below the names of all the Supervisors 
imd Town Clerks of tlie old town of Sempronius, from 
its organization to the year 1832, when such division 
was made. 





SUPEIIVISORS. 


1798- 


-John Stoyell. 


1799- 


-Jacob DeWitt 


1800- 


_ " " 


1801- 


_ u u 


1802- 


_ " ^' 


1803- 


_ ii a 


1804— Charles Kellog 


1805- 


— " " 


1806- 


_ " '' 


1807- 


-William Sattei 


1808- 


_ u u 


1809- 


_ »' " 


1810- 


_ I i ( ( 


1811- 


_ " ^' 


1812- 


_ tt 4( 


1813- 


_ " " 


1814- 


'' u 


1815- 


_ " " 


1816- 


_ " " 


1817- 


_ U (( 


1818- 


_ a i( 


1819- 


-Rowland Day. 


1820- 


_ u u 



TOWN CLERKS. 

Ezekiel Sayles. 



Cyrus Powers. 
Ezekiel Sayles. 



56 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OFMOEAVIA, 

1821— Rowland Day. Bliss Forbnsli. 

1822— 

1823— William Satterlee. Franklin Day. 

1824— " '■' '' 

1825— u c. 

1826— George H. i^rinkerhoff. " " 

1827— Eowland Day. William Wade. 

1828— George H. Brinkerlioff. " " 

1829 " " " " 

1830— " " '^ Elijah Anstin. 

1881— Rowland Day. William Wade. 
1832— " " ^ 

William Satterlee held the office of Supervisor foi- 
fourteen years, and Ezekiel Sayles the office of Clerk 
for twenty -two years. He was the grandfather of L. 
D. Sayles, Esq., of this village. 

At a Town Meeting, held April, 1821, the following 
Resolutions were passed by a unanimous vote : 

'■^ Hesohed, That the thanks of this Town be pre- 
sented to Ezekiel Sayles for his able and faithful ser- 
vices as Clerk of said Town, during a period of twen- 
ty-two years. 

jResolved, imanwiously, That the Town Clerk he 
I'equested to record the foregoing vote in the com- 
mon Book of proceedings of this Town." 

The Town of Sempronius, by an act of the Legis- 
lature passed March 20, 1833, was divided into three 
towns, consisting of Sempronius on the east, Niles 
on the north, and Moravia on the west. By the first 
section of the act, the Town of Moravia is bounded 
and described as follows : 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 57 

" From and after the passing of this Act, all that 
part of the Town of Sempronius, in the County of 
Caynga, being the southwest part, bounded on the 
west and on the south by the present lines of. said 
town; on the east 1)}' the west line of lots number 
ninety-six, eighty-six, seventy-six, sixty-six, fifty- 
six, and forty-seven ; and on the north by the south 
line of lots number thirty-seven, thirty-six, thirty- 
five, thirty-four, thirty-three ; and extending west 
through lot number twenty-six to Owasco Lake, shall 
be and remain a separate Town by the name of Mo- 
ravia. And the first Town Meeting shall be held at 
the house of Asa Little, in said town, on the second 
Tuesday of April next/' 

We give below as a matter of statistical interest, 
the names of all the Supervisors and Town Clerks of 
this Town from that year to 1873. 

SUPERVISORS. TOWN CLERKS. 

1833 — Artemas Cady. Wm. A. Richmond. 

1834— '' '' AVm. H. Day. 

1835— '' " '^ '^ ^' 
1836— Daniel Goodrich, Jr. 

1837— Rowland Day.^- A. II. Dunbar. 

1838— '' '' Orasmus Dibble. 
1839— Daniel Cloodrich, Jr. 

1840— '' " t O. M. Welch. 

1841— " '' '' '^ 
1842— John Locke. George Hart. 
1843— Daniel Goodi'ich, Ji'. 



*Rowland Day had been Supervisor for the old Town of Sempro- 
nius for several j^ears. 



58 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 



1844— Artemiis Cady. 

1845— 

1846— Leonard O. Aiken. 

1847— 

1848— '^ " 

1849 — Warren Powers. 

1850— " " 

1851— " 
1852— L. O. Aiken. 
1853— Reuben Stoyell. 
1854— Daniel L. Wood. 
1855— Wm. H. Price. 
1856— Wm. R. Hewitt. 
1857 — Daniel Sutplien. 
1858— John P. Wood. 
1859— Austin B. Hale. 
I860— " " " 
1861— John L. Parker. 
1862— Benj. F. Everson. 
1863— "' " " 
1864— Dwight Lee. 
1865— Hector H. Tuthill. 

1866— " " " 

1867— " '' " 
1868— E. E. Brown. 
1869— S. Edwin Day. 
1870— Terry Everson. 
1871— " 

1872— S. Edwin Day. 
1873—" " " 



CT(^orge Hart- 



Josiah H. Stanley. 
George Hart. 

u u 



Henry Cutler. 



Frederick Small. 
Henry Cutler. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 59 

Moravia Village was first iiicorpoiated by the fol- 
lowing act of the Legislatu]"(\ passed May 1, 1837: 

''The district of coiiiitry in the Town of Moravia, 
in the C'Oiinty of Caynga, contained in the following 
bounds, to wit : Beginning at the forks of the road 
running through the village of Moravia on the north, 
and running from tlience east one hundred and forty 
rods, thence south two hundred and sixty rods, 
thence west two hundred and forty rods, thence 
north two hundred and sixty rods, thence east to the 
place of beginning one hundred rods, shall hereafter 
be known and distinguished l)y the nanu' of the Vil- 
lage of Moravia ; and tlie freeholders and inliabitants 
residing in said village, are constituted a bod}' cor- 
porate by the name of 'The Trustees of the Village 
of Moravia.' " 

The village was reincorporated by an act of the 
Legislature passed March 15, 1859, with extended 
boundaries, as follows : 

" All that part of the Town of Moravia, County of 
Cayuga, and State of New York, which is contained 
within the following l>ounds and limits, to wit : — 
Beginning at the east or right bank of the Owasco 
Inlet where said bank is intersected by the north line 
of lot number eighty-two in said town, thence south- 
erly along the said bank of said stream at its usual 
or mean height, until it intersects the south line of 
tlie farm now owned by William B. AVormer, or lot 
number ninety-two in said town, to the east line of 
said lot number ninety-two ; thence south on said 
lot line to the southwest corner of lands belonging 



60 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

to the estate of Ti-ij)liena Cole ; thence east on the 
south line of Triphena Cole's land, to the east line of 
number ninety-three ; thence north on said lot line, 
to the lands of Samuel Spaft'ord ; thence west to the 
southwest corner of INIaiy Daj^'s lands ; tlience north 
to the north line of said lot ]iuml)er ninety-three ; 
thence west on said lot line to the center of the 
spring brook leading from a spring in Dwight Day' s 
land ; thence northerly in a direct lin(^ to and in 
such direction that it shall strike the small pond or 
raceway of the stone grist mill at the south margin 
thereof, and at a point directly south of the center 
of the gap cut in tlie rocks and forming a waste weir 
to said grist mill raceway ; thence from that point 
on the south margin of said raceway, up and along 
said south margin and ahmg the south bank of 4he 
mill pond n.nd creek as the same winds and turns till 
it intersects Montville Creek at its junction with 
Butch Creek ; thence across Montville Creek and 
Dutch Creek to the southeast corner of John Stoyell's 
land, formerly known as the Cady lot, and along said 
Cady lot to tlie north line of lot number eighty-three, 
upon or near the summit of the right bank of Dutch 
Creek ; thence west along the iiorth lines of lots 
number eighty-three and eighty-two, to the place of 
beginning, shall hereafter be known and distinguish- 
ed by the name of 'the Village of Moravia.' " 

The following are the names of the Presidents and 
Clerks of the village since the latter date : 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 



61 



PRESIDENTS. 

1859— N. T. Stephens. 
I860— B. F. Everson. 
1861 — Benjamin Allee. 
1862— Alonzo Cutter. 
1863 — Terry Everson. 
1864— J. M. Sawyer. 
1865— C. E. Parker. 
1866— Wm. Titus. 
1867— " 

1868—^ Edwin Day. 
1869— Wm. Titus. 
1870— J. L. Parker. 
1871— M. C. Selover. 
1872— J. H. Holden. 



CLERKS. 

A. H, Dunbar. 

Seth P. Hart. 

Wm. Tallman. 

it II 

A. H. Dunbar. 

Norman Parker. 

George Hart. 

E. D. Wade. 

W. H. Day. 

U it, 

R. D. Wade. 

u u 

W. H. Day. 



I 



CHAPTER IX. 

llowi.AXD Day — Cady's Tavern — When Built — 
'•■Attnt Cady'' — Moravia Cotton Mills — Tav- 
erns— Brkk — MoNTViLLE — Anecdote — Exploit 
OF John LockI': — S. E. Day — Ciiattncey Wright 
— John II. Hin.-man and Isaac M. Cook— "Sister 
Cook" — The last Man to let (^o of tiik Lines. 

Of the first s(^ttlcrs of tliis Town, pci'luips there 
were none more worthy of mention than Hon. Row- 
land Day, who came to the "'Fhits''' in 1810, and 
erected a frame building, in which h*^ ''kept store," 
in after years known as the ''Old Yellow Store." 
He was an excellent business man, and did much to 
enhance the prosperity and growth of the village. 
He was Post Master for thirty years, Supervisor for 
fifteen or thereabouts, and was elected Member of 
xVssembly in 1816. In 1821 he represented this Dis- 
trict in State Convention in which important changes 
were made in tlie Constitution. He was also a Mem- 
l)er of Congress for two terms. Mr. Day did not ex- 
cel as a debater, but was highly respected as a wise 
and shrewd counselor. His shrewd management was 
so well understood in Congress, that he acquired the 
sobriquet of the "Cayuga Fox." 

An honest, upi-ight man, he held the above named 



64 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

ofRc(^s of trust efficiently, with credit to liiinself and 
lionor to liis constituents. He was faitliful to his 
pj^^i-ty— a strong Jackson man— and bitterly opx)Osed 
to the dangerous doctrines of secession advanced by 
John C. Calhoun. 

Mr. Day died Dec. 23, I808, at the age of 74 years. 

In ISIO Zadoc Cady joined the little settlement 
on the ''Flats," built a log house, and used the front 
part as a Tavern. He afterwards erected uiDon the 
same site, the frame building known as "Cady's 
Tavern." This Tavern was a general rendezvous, not 
only for the town s people, but for those of the sur- 
rounding country. It was the head-quarters of a 
militia regiment, which held a "general training" 
on the "Flats," which lasted two or three days and 
as many nights. 

"Aunt Cady," as she was familiarly called, (tln^ 
wife of Zadoc,) had wide-spread notoriety as a cook, 
and the traveler at any hour of the day or night was 
sure of a substantial and digestible meal. 

Said Mr. Samuel Weller, "Weal pie is a werry 
good thing, if you knows the woman wot made it." 
The hungry man, be he ever so fastidious, had but 
to be told that "Aunt Cady" was at the helm, to be 
warranted in the enjoyment of a meal fit to set before 
a king. Upon the sigii used to inform the public of 
the name of the Tavern, was painted the figures 1801, 
the first three of which were nearly obliterated, so 
that it was often jocosely remarked that "Aunt Ca- 
dy" had kept tavern there c^ver since the year oii(\ 

The Moravia Cotton Mill was built in 1881 bv a 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 65 

company composed chiefly of citizens of this town, 
and contributed greatly toward increasing tlie busi- 
ness and prosperity of the place ; employing wdien 
in full operation, about one hundred workmen. The 
goods manufactured were said to be fully equal to 
imported stock, and found ready sales at satisfactory 
prices. The mill was destroyed by tire in ISoG, and 
the following year a Grist Mill was built upon the 
same foundations, having a, reservoir and water pow- 
er sufficient to run the mill at all seasons of tlie year. 
This property is now owned by M. C. and Wm. M. 
Selover. 

Montville Tavern w^as built in 1813 and 1814, by 
Walter Wood, at that time flrst Judge in Cayuga 
County, The Brick Tavern (now^ ' ' Moravia House, ' ' ) 
was built by Dr. David Amiable, about 1820, and 
Goodridge' s Hotel by Lemuel Porter in 1852. 

Speaking of Taverns, is a reminder of an incident 
related as having occurred at a time when the Mont- 
ville, Milan, and Brick Hotels were in full blast. 
Upon this occasion a small social party, consisting 
of Samuel E. Day, Jolm Locke, Chauncey Wright, 
John H. Hinman, and Isaac M. Cook, familiarly 
known as "Sister Cook,'' had been celebrating some 
special political event by taking a, sleigh ride about 
towni, as a matter of course stopping each time 
around at the several hotels mentioned. Tlie only 
sleigh procurable, contained but 'one seat holding 
but two persons, so that two more were obliged to 
sit ill their laps, while the driver sat upon an empty 
tobacco keo; in fi-oiit. Cook was the driver — a i'e«:u- 



C)6 HISTORICAL SKiyrCHKS OF MORAVIA. 

lar Jeliii. Late in the evening it was p]-opose(l that 
the party should drive to ^.lilan, tak«> a iiiial drink, 
return to the Brick Tavern, take anoflier linal drink, 
and go home — sober as deacons. Accordingiv the 
trip was made to Milan and return, hut instead of 
stopping at Moravia as agreed upon, Cooiv p*ut on 
the whip, turned tlie coriKM- and went to MontviUe, 
wliere, after some dekiy, the Landlord was aroused 
from his slumbers, and informed that the lav/ allow- 
ed him to keep open house for the reception of trav- 
elers at all hours, and the law must be enforced then 
and there ; thereupon the landlord was hustled, 
without mucli ceremony, behind the counter, and the 
bottles and glasses set out. The driver however, 
was so overcome at the kindness, (as he often repc^at- 
ed,) of their host, "in (Mitertaining travelers and 
angels unawares," that tlie tears flowed copiously 
down his cheeks, while he endeavored to embrace 
his benefactor, who stepped dextej'ously behind a 
post, around which Cook thivw liis arms with broth- 
erly affection. 

Upon starting out again, the ability of Cook to get 
them safely to Moravia was seriously doubted by his 
companions, but he insisted that he was the only 
sober man in the party, and should run no risks by 
allowing any of them to handle the reins. However 
all went quietly enough until they arrived near the 
top of "J^kiimei' Hill," when Cook suddenly stood 
up in the sleigh and laid on the whip with all the 
force he could muster ; the team immediately became 
iinma]ia*i'al)l(\ and ran with great violence down the 



IlISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MUKAVIA. bt 

hill, all but tlie (b'ivcr comprelieiidiiig tlie state of 
alTaiis, jiiiuped out into the snow, in all directions, 
he and the team disappearing down tlie hill, followed 
as quickly as possible, nndei' the circumstances, by 
the balance of the part}', wlio fully expected to find 
Cook dashed to pieces along the road. The team 
was found in a huge snow bank near the foot of the 
hil\, and aftin* considerable miscellaneous digging 
around, Cook was drawn out of the snow wherein he 
had been completely buried, and so wound about 
with the reins as to be unable to moye ; whereupon 
he was accosted by Mr. Day with "Hallo! Sister 
Cook I Are 3'ou dead or aint yeV' to which Cook 
with some difficulty and apparent resentment, ans- 
wered, "Dead'^ no; but I want you all to under- 
stand that Pm flie last nuni f<> let qo of Hip lines ^ 



CHAPTER X. 

Free ^Iasoxry— Its Axtiquity— OKi(ii>' axi^ Pur- 
I'OSES— Syltax-^ Lodge— Wiie^ Formed — St. John 
THE Baptist Chapter — Representatives to 
Grand Chapter — '-So Mote it be." 

Says on.' writ'in-, " Every sin^o symmetry bcii-aii and 
iKuiiiony displayed its charms, our ordin- lias liad a 
beiiiL!:." I)oubtl(>ss Free Masomy is of aiicicMit date 
and oiiLvin, but its loiin-evity ("ni Jiardly be tiaced to 
the time of the creation of th(^ world. The original 
fonnation of the order was in all respects very crude 
and uninteresting ; aiming to regulate the afl'airs in- 
cident to business relations, and to the duties of i^rac- 
tical life ; l)ut it possessed none of the imposing cere- 
monials, or exterior disx)lay and grandeur for which 
it is now cel(4)rated. A bnv mechanics or masons by 
trade, formed a league or union, for the advancement 
of their occupation, the better protection of their 
rights, and to secure the increased strengtli and in- 
fluence which a. societ^^ oi- organization generally 
possess. They were governed by certain simple rules 
applicable to their business and the times in wliicli 
they lived. Among their ancient chargcis Avas the 
followinir, which recommends itself to ev(M-v on<% 



9 



70 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

wlietlicr of tlie order or not, and is wortliy of consid- 
eration hy all : 

"Ye shall be true to tlie king, and the master you 
serve, and to the fellowship whereof 3'ou are admit- 
ted. 

Ye shall be true to, and love each other. 
' Ye shall call each other brother, not slave, or any 
unkind name. 

Ye shall ordain tlie wisest to be masters of the 
Avork ; and neither for love nor lineage, riches or 
favor, set one over the other who hath but little 
knowledge. * '■ "" * * '•' * 

All the brothers shall treat the peculiarities of each 
other with the gentleness, decency, and forbearance 
he thinks due to liis own. 

Ye shall have reasonable pay, and live honestly." 

Once a year they were to assemble for consultation 
in the interests of the order. 

From the pen of a very able liistorian, we find, 
"That the Italians with some Greek refugees, also 
some French, Germans, and Flemish, joined into a 
fraternity of Architects ; the}^ styled themselves 
'Free Masons,' and traveled from one nation to an- 
other, as they found edifices to be built. They had 
regular rules and regulations among themselves, fix- 
ing their residence in a camp near the place where 
they were employed. A Surveyor governed in chief. 
Every tenth man was called a Warden, whose dut}^ 
was to o"Vierlook the other nine." 

As to the pecuniary advantages of the ancient 
order, witness the followina" : 



nrSTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 71 

*'St. Albans loved masons well, and cheiislied 
them much, and made tlieir iniy riglit good, for lie 
gave them 2 sliillings per week, and 3d to tlieir cheer ; 
wlier(^as, be'fore that time, in all the land, a mason 
had l)nt a penny a day and his meat, until St. Albans 
mended itt. And he gott them a charter from the 
king, and his consent for to hold a g(^neral counsell, 
and gave it the name of Assemblie ; thereat he was 
himself, and did helpe to make masons, and gave 
them good charges." 

Th(3 lahor(^r is worthy of his hire. For the l)enelit 
of those who are interested iii ancient writings, and 
who pcnhaps liave not heretofore had opportunity 
for tlK'ir pe]-usal, concerning this sul)joct. we ap})end 
the following questions and answers, which perhaps, 
will throw some light upon the character of the order 
of "yo olden times," and also a not«^ lauding its 
merits, written by the celebrated philosoplnM' John 
Locke. 

The orthography of the oi-iginal b(ung sominvhat 
unintelligil^le, is corrected in some instances to con- 
form more nearly to that of the present day. 

" Certain questions, with answers to the same, con- 
cerning the mystery of masonry, Avritten hy the hand 
of King Henry the Sixth of the name, and faithfully 
copied by me, John Leylande, antiquarus, by the 
command of his highness. 

Question. What might it be ? 

Answer. It be the skill of nature, the understand- 
ing of the mighty, that is herein : and its sundry 
operations, ])articularly th*^ skill of niimV>ers, 



72 niSTOHlCAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

weiglits, and tlie trin? manner of forming all things 
for man's nso, diielly dwellings and buildings of all 
kinds, and all other things that make good to man. 

Question. Where did it begin ( 

Answer. It did begin with the first men in the east, 
which were before the first men of the west ; and 
coming westerly, it hath brought herewith all com- 
forts to the lone and comfortless. 

Question. Who did bring it westerly i 

Answer. The Phpnecians, who being great mer- 
chants, came first from the east in Phonecia, for the 
convenience of merchandise, both east and west, by 
the Red and Midean seas. 

Question. How came it in England ? 

Answers. Pythagoras, a Grecian, journeyed for 
knowledge in Egypt and in Syria, and in ever^^ land 
wherein the Phonecians had planted masonry ; gain- 
ing entrance in all lodges of masons, he learned much, 
and returned and worked in Grecia [Magna, growing 
and becoming a mighty wiseacre, and greatly renown- 
ed, and here he framed a great lodge at Groton, and 
made many masons, some whereof did journey in 
France and made many masons, wherefrom in pro- 
cess of time, the art passed into England. 

Question. What arts hath the masons taught man- 
kind ? 

Answer. Agriculture, architecture, astronomy, ge- 
ometry, numbers, chemistry, music, government and 
religion. 

Question, How came masons more teachers than 
other men 1 



IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. To 

Answer. Tliey tlieni selves liave only the art of 
finding new arts, wliieli arts the first masons received 
from God, by the which they find what arts Ilim 
pleaseth, and the true way of teaching the snme. — 
What other men do find out is only by chance, and 
therefore but little, I trow. 

Question. T)o all masons know more than other 
men ;' 

Answer. Not so. They only hath right and occa- 
sion more than othei- men to know, and many do 
fail in capacity, and mau}^ more do want industry, 
that is absolutely necessary for the gaining of all 
knowledge. 

Question. Are masons better men than others i 

Answer. Some masons are not so virtuous as some 
other men, but in most part, they be more good than 
they would be if they Avere not masons. 

Question. Do masons love each other mightily, as 
liatli been said ? 

Answer. Yea, veril}", and it may not otherwise be ; 
for good men and true, knowing each other to be 
such, do always love the more, as they be more good." 

The following is the closing portion of the note 
referred to al)ove, written by John Locke to the Right 
Honorable Thomas Earle, of Pembroke, to whom he 
sent the manuscript. 

"I know not what the effect the sight of this old 
paper may have upon j'our lordship, but for my own 
part, I cannot deny that it has so much raised my 
curiosity as to induce me to enter myself into the 
fraternity ; which I am determined to do (if I may be 



74 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

adiiiitte'd,) the next time I go to London, (and tliat 
will be shortly). 

I am, my Lord, yonr Lordships most obedient 
. and most hnmble servant. 

JOHN LOCKE. '^ 

It will be seen from the foregoing extracts, that 
Free Masonry originated in the interests of a class of 
tradesmen, or architects, for their better protection, 
profit, and better knowledge of their trade, which 
the order secured to them. From this germ has 
grow^n a tree, whose l)ranches extend thronghont 
Christendom, and the fruit of which has been glad- 
ness and consolation to many in time of weariness 
and distress. 

Latterly, however, the distinctive characteristics of 
the original order, to wit : the advancement of cer- 
tain mechanical pursuits and the interests of a class 
of tradesmen, have become unimportant and obso- 
lete, especially in our ow^n country, where labor in 
all its branches, is honorable, and the rights of all 
men are guaranteed by constitutional enactments 
and enforced b}^ Judicial dictums. 

The seeming necessity of the oi-ganization for the 
mechanic of the earlier ages, no longer exists or is 
no longer applicable to those of the present day. — 
But the order thus established has never ceased to 
exist, and for the most part flourish. There must be 
something attractive in this bond of union ; some- 
thing real in this system of brotherhood which has 
withstood the chans^es which time has w-rought, the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF .MORAVIA. 7") 

turmoil and confusion of revolutions, and the rise 
and fall of empires. And there c(^rtainly is. Ma- 
sonry with such small and almost insignificant begin- 
ning, has ontgiown its swaddling clothes, aiid become 
a power in the world. Uniting with morality and 
benevolence, pecuniary means one of the most essen- 
tial elements of successful operation in anj' cause. 
Masonry is established on a firm foundation, to wit : 
brotherly love and charity. To be a true mason, one 
must be, to say the least, a moral man, "he is firmly 
to believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, who 
will be the Judge of our actions, and i-eward us ac- 
cording to merit, to pay Him that worship and vene- 
ration which is due to Him as the great architect of 
the universe." He is to be loyal to the government, 
^peaceable and obedient to the civil j)owers which 
yield him protection. He is to avoid all manner of 
intemperance or excess w^hicli might obstruct his jier- 
formance of the laudable duties of the order, or lead 
him into crimes which would reflect dishonor upon 
the fraternity. "He is to abstain from all nmlice, 
slander, and evil speaking ; from all unmannerly, 
scornful, provoking, reproachful, or ungodly lan- 
guage, keeping always a tongue of good report." 

Another important element is the requirement of giv- 
ing pecuniary relief to those who are needy, esj^ecially 
if they belong to, or are connected in any way with 
the order, though they are not circumscribed in libe- 
rality toward destitution wherever it exists. 

It is however but just that the funds received into 
the treasuiy of the order should be expended when 



76 niSTORLCAL SKETCHES OF MOR.VVIA. 

necessary, upon those wlio have assisted in accumu- 
lating such fund. Tlie widows and the orphans of 
deceased members of the fraternity, liave received 
aid and comfort from this source when but for this 
sympathetic and timely action, want and distress 
would have been their portion. 

The assistino- and comfortino; arm of tlic l)rother- 
hood encircles each of its members, and the interests 
of his family. And here it may be w(.^ll to say that 
the idea of which some are, through ignorance, pos- 
sessed that free masons are bound by their obliga- 
tions to assist a brother to escape from just punish- 
ment, which h(' has incurred, by his own evil acts, 
or to protect him in his wrong doing, is a mistaken 
idea, and in direct opposition to the teachings aiid 
the s])irit of true masonry. 

Thus much of the origin and primary object of 
free masonry, and its present aims and pretentions. 
With the faults or inconsistencies of individual mem- 
bers, we have nothing here to do ; these are but a 
disgrace to themselves and not an argument which 
can with candor be used against the order. Church- 
es have their hypocritical m(Mid)e]'s, but religion re- 
mains the same. The general principles of free ma- 
sonry are correct, and highly moral, and if practi- 
cally observed, tend to honor the Great Master and 
to establish ])eace and good will to men upon tlie 
earth. 

A lodge of free masons was tlrst established in the 
United States at Boston, Mass., April 30* 1734, and 
in the state of New York on September oth, 1781. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 77 

In 1810 a lodge was constituted in Moravia, (tlien 
Seinpronius,) and named "Sylvan Lodge No. 4-1,"' 
and has been in active operation without cessation, 
since that date. The names of the members who 
have held the office of Worshipful Master, which is 
the highest official position in the lodge, will appear 
hereafter as representatives of Sylvan Lodge to the 
Grand Chapter. 

A Grand Chapter was organized at Albany, IS. Y., 
March 14, 1798, with BeWitt Clinton as Deputy 
Grand High Priest. At a Grand Royal Arch Chap- 
ter, held at Albany, IS^. y., February 5th, 1811, the 
following dispensation was granted "To Companions 
John ISTewcomb and others to hold a Chapter of Roy- 
al Arch Masons at Owasco Plats, in the Town of 
Sempronius, County of Cayuga, 'N. Y., November 
23d, 1810," and thereafter on Pebruary 6th, the action 
of the Grand High Priest in granting such dispen- 
sation, was ratified, and a warrant issued as follows : 

" To Companions John Newcomb, Cyrus Powers, 
and David Annable, to hold a Chapter at Owasco 
Flats, in Seinpronius, Cayuga County, N. Y., by the 
name of ' St. John the Baptist Chapter, No, 30.'" 

We give below the names of the representatives of 
this Chapter to the Grand Chaptei', held at Albany, 
N. Y., annually, to wit ; 

1812— John Newcomb. 1844—0. M. Welch. 

1813— Cyrus Powers. 1845— Samuel E. Day. 

1814^1. Piatt. 1846—0. M. Welch. 

1815— Cyrus Powers. 1847— Orsamus Dibble. 
10 



78 



mSTOllIOAr, SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 



1853 



1848— Orsamus I)ibblt\ 

1849— 

1850— Samuel E. Day. 

1851— AVilliam Wade. 

1852— Nelson T. Stephens. 

George Hart. 

William Wade. 
1854— 

1855 — James H. Wood. 
185G— " 

1857 — William Wade. 
1858 — Sanmel E. Day. 
1859- N. T. Stephens. 
18G0— " 

1861— William Wade. 
1862— Benjamin L. Avery. 
1863— James H. Holden. 
1864— " 

1865— William Wade. 
1866— 

1867— S. Edwin Day. 
1868— 

1869— " " 

1870— Jolin C. Chase. 
1871— Henry A. AYliitman. 
1872— " " " 

1873— Fred B. Heald. 



1816— Ithial Piatt. 

1817— Elias Hall. 

1818 — Not represented. 

1819— " 

1820— J olm Newcomb. 

1821— Ovriis Powers. 

1822— ■' " 

1823— Not represented. 

1824— Joel Bartlett. 

1825 — WaiTen Parsons. 

1826— " 

1827— " " 
1828— Channcey Wright. 
1829— Orsamus Dibble. 
1830 — E])enezer Smith. 
1831 — John Locke. 
1832— Not represented. 
1833— Orsamus Dibble. 
1834— Not represented. 
1835— Orsamus Dibble. 
1836- Henry Carroll. 
1837— Orsamus Dibble. 
1838— " " 
1839— Ebenezer Smith. 
1840— Channcey AYright. 
1841— AYillianrWade^ 
1842— Orsamus Dibble. 
1843— Samuel E. Day. 

At a meeting of the Grand Chapter, held at Albany, 
February 8tli, 1849, Orsamus Dibble, a very promi- 
nent and zealous mason of this town, was elected 
Grand King for the ensuing year. 

The order of Free Masons has now in the United 
States 4,000 Lodges, and over 500,000 members. In- 
deed a powerful organization for good, if the virtues 
of the order could keep pace with its steadily increas- 
ing membership. -'So mote it be." 



CHAPTER XI. 

Moravia Agricultural Society — Organization — 
Rules and Regulations — Officers, &c. 

A meeting of the citizens of this town was held at 
the "Moravia House," September 18th, 1858, upon 
tlie suggestion of H. Alley and Wm. Tallman, (who 
drew the notices of the meeting which were posted 
about the village by Mr. Alley,) to consult upon the 
expediency of holding a Town Fair and Festival. 

Gurdon L. Mead was chosen Cliairman, and M. K. 
Alley, Secretary. The meeting then decid<'d to hold 
a Fair and Festival during the month of October; 
and a Society was regularly organized with the fol- 
lowing officers : 

President., Sidney Mead ; Vice-Presidents., James 
Thomas, James Thornton, and David Webb ; Secre- 
tary. M. K. Alley ; Treasurer^ E. P. K. Smith. 

At a meeting held September 20th, 1858, the fol- 
lowing Constitution and By-Laws were adopted : 

Art. I. This Society shall be organized under the 
name and title of the Moravia Farmers' and Mechan- 
ics' Fair and Festival. 

Art. II. It shall consist of the following officers : 
One President, five Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and 



80 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAVIA. 

Treasurer ; and after 1858 tliere sliall bo a Board of 
Directors to consist of iive members, of which the 
President shall be chairman. 

Akt. III. It shall be the dnty of the President 
to preside at all meetings of the Society and Board 
of Directors, and sign all papers that may be neces- 
sary to carry on the business of the Society. 

Akt. IY. It shall be the duty of one of the Yice- 
Presidents to preside in the absence of the President. 

AiiT. Y. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to 
officiate as such at all meetings of the Society, and 
attest all notices and warrants drawn on the Treas- 
urer. 

AiiT. YI. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to 
receive all monies belonging to the Society, and keep 
a correct account of the same, and pay it out only 
on the warrant of the President and attested by the 
Secretary. He shall make an annual report to the 
Society, of all monies by him received, and produce 
his vouchers for the amcmnts by him paid out. 

AiiT. YII. It shall be the duty of the Board of Di- 
rectors to make out a Premium List for each year, 
appoint the Judges, and make all necessary arrange- 
ments for the grounds for the annual Fairs and Fes- 
tivals. 

Akt. A^III. The above mentioned officers shall be 
elected at each annual meeting of the Society for the 
election of officers, which shall be held on the Third 
Tuesday of January of each year, at such place as 
shall be designated l)y the President. 

Airr. IX. Any person may become a member of 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 81 

this Societ}', and a competitor for any premiums, by 
paying to tlie Treasurer tlie sum of Fifty Cents ; and 
any person not a member may be a competitor for 
any of tlie premiums b}^ paying to the Treasurer the 
sum of Fifty Cents, subject to tlie By-Laws and 
Rules and Regulations of the Society. 

Art. X. The annual Fair and Festival after the 
year 1858, shall be held some day or days in the 
month of September, to l)e designated by the Board 
of Directors. 

BY-LAWS. 

Art. I. All stock and other articles for exhi]:)ition 
shall be entered and arranged before ten o'clock A. 
M. on the day of the fair, at which time the Judges 
will commence their examinations. 

Art. II. Ko premiums shall be awarded unless the 
committee deem the animal, production, or imple- 
ment offered for competition, worthy to receive the 
same. 

Art. III. All premiums shall be awarded on the 
Fair Grounds by five o'clock P. M., on the day of 
Fair, except grain and root crops. 

Art. IY. All entries in grain and root crops shall 
be accompanied by certificates of the manag<^ment 
and product per acre thereof. 

Art. y. ISTo stock or article offered for exhibhion 
shall be removed from the Fair Grounds until five 
o'clock P. M., except by permission of the Pres- 
ident. 

Art. yi. Any p(\rson neglecting to apply to the 
Treasurer for tiie amount of any pi'emium awarded 



82 inSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

to liim on the day of the Fair, shall be deemed to 
have donated tlie same to the Society. 

Art. VII. Visitors are to be on the Fair Grounds 
upon sucli tei-ms as each annual meeting shall d(4er- 
mine." 

The Society is also protected and governed by gen- 
eral and special Acts of the Legislature. Tlie follow- 
ing is a list of the names of the chief officers of the 
Society since the date of its organization : 

Fresklod. Secretary. Treasurer. 

1858— Sidney Mead. M. K. Alley. E. P. K. Smith. 

18o9— C. C. Jewett. AVm. Tallman. B. F. Everson. 

I860— G. L. Mead. J. L. Parker. H. H. Tuthill. 

1861— No record. 

1862— John Stoyell. M. L. Everson. T. Keeler. 

1863— J. II. Jewett. " " 

1864— C. S. Jennings. Henry Cutler, Jr. " 

1865-^0 record. 

1866— Elondo Greenfield. H. Cutler, Jr. H. H. Tuthill. 

1867— " " A. H. Livingston. '^ 

1868— " " " " M.L. Everson. 

1869— " " M. K. Alley. C. S. Jennings. 

1870— " " " " M. L. Everson. 

1871— " " M. E. Kenyon. M. K. Alley. 

-iO'y9 u ii. u u u u 

The annual Fairs have been generally well attend- 
ed. Considerable competition has been had between 
the farmers and mechanics of the several adjoining 
towns. 



IIISTOUrCAL SKETCIIKS OF MOIIAVIA. 83 

The Flonil Hall lias been well supplied, and uxxjn 
some occasions literally loaded with farm products 
and fruits, exc(3lled in kind and quality by none in 
the state. Latterly large and choice varieties of 
grapes and small fruits have been displayed. 

Tlie premiums offered have heen fair, and as lil)e- 
ral, no doubt, as the financial conditioii of the Soci- 
ety would permit. 

While some fault has been found, no doubt upon 
reasonable grounds, taken all in all the general man- 
agement of the affairs of the Societ}^ has been suc- 
cessful ; and this success rasij be attributed largely 
to the management, good judgment, and untiring 
zeal of Elondo Greenfield, for several years past its 
chief officei*. 



CHAPTER XII. 

If^XW CADY. 

0]ie of the most prominent citizens of this town, 
was Isaac Cady. Born in Vermont, he came to Mo- 
ravia with his parents in 1801, and thereafter always 
resided in this town and upon the premises where 
his parents lirst hicated. His father and mother, 
Zadoc and Luc}" Cadj^, of whom mention is elsewhere 
made, were for many years tlie })roprietors of the 
formerly well known " Cad\'s Tavern." During his 
youth and early manliood, liquor was drank very 
freely b}^ all classes of society, without remonstrance 
from any source. Mr. Cady succeeded to the busi- 
ness of his parents, which was considered very remu- 
nerative at that time, and continued therein until 
the beginning of tlie Temperance Reformation about 
1830. He became a meml^er of a Temperance Society, 
destroyed his liquors, and transformed his hotel into 
a Temperance House. The strong conviction of duty 
by which he was actuated, will be appreciated from 
the fact tliat ]>y becoming a temperance man, he re- 
linquished a business from which he had derived an 
income which exceeded a thousand dollars per annum. 
This was a sacrifice of no mean proportions. Worldly 

n 



86 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

policy would liave dictated a coiitinuauce of this lu- 
crative employment; public opinion would liave sus- 
tained and sanctioned it. Personal friends threatened 
to forsakf^ him. His mother ])redicted financial ruin to 
himself and destitution to his family. But none of 
these things moved him. One word answered all 
remonstrances and ri^asoning, and qui(4ed the voice 
of friendly advice or bitt(?r reproach. Duty was at 
once the guiding star and sheet anchor of his soul ; 
it was his watchword through life, and characterized 
all his business, political, and social relations. Like 
Deacoji Stoyell, lie was at an early day one of the 
most prominent abolitionists in Cayuga County ; his 
home was well known as a tempoi'ary refuge for the 
slave. At home and abroad, in public and in pri- 
vate, he most strenuously advocated the right 
of all men to life, liberty, and tlie pursuit of hapj^i- 
ness. Though naturally " a most mildly maimered 
man," upon the great national question — American 
Slavery — he was like a lion roused from his lair ; 
with a righteous indignation he rebuked its advo- 
cates, and came down upon their aiguments in favor 
of its continuance, with an avalanche of historical 
facts and precedents, scripture texts and command- 
ments, constitutional and natural rights which its 
ablest defenders were unable to withstand. Herein 
consisted his great strength : His familiarity with 
ancient and modern history ; he made no statement 
at random ; he reasoned from correct premises, and 
assumed no untenable position ; if his statements 
were doubted or denied, his proofs were forthcoming ; 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 87 

liis bookshelves were crowded witli statistical reports, 
sermons, lectures, congressional reports, biblical com- 
mentaries and digests, from whence he gathered a 
vast store of knowledge, ready for use in defense of 
his principles, and the arguments which he advanced. 
In the Congregational Church, of which he was an 
active member, he stood shoulder to shoulder with 
Deacon John Stovell on all questions of reform and 
church polity. For many years he was the leader of 
the choir under the "fa, sol, la, and la, sol, fa/' regime, 
and at all times was prepared to sing either from 
book or memory ; at prayer meetings he was never 
at a loss for an appropriate verse, or a familiar tune. 
Of his favorite hymns were the following, of wliich 
we append the first verse only : 

"Jesus, I my. cross have taken, 
All to leave and follow thee ; 
Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, 
Thou from hence, my all shalt be ; 
Perish every fond ambition. 
All I've sought, or hoped, or known ; 
Yet how rich is my condition, 
God and heaven are still my own." 

Also a hymn entitled "Loving Kindness." 

" Awake my soul, in joyful lays, 
And sing thy great Redeemer's praise ; 
He justly claims a song from me. 
His loving kindness— Oh, how free." 



Also, 



" Alas, and did my Saviour bleed. 
And did my sovereign die ; 
AYould he devote that sacred head 
For such a worm as I V" 



88 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAV^A. 

Whatever ek^e of eaily reniembiances may by tlie 
dust of toilsome years become oblivious, those good 
old lieait songs as sinig b}' Isaac Cady to his favorite 
metrics, will linger in the nn^mory of the writer, grow- 
ing sweeter and more sacred day hy dny. He never 
showed the jealousy and foolish sensitiveness of many 
choir singers, so despicable, yet so difficult to prop- 
erly deal with. Although he had been the chief 
dependence of the church in singing for many ^ears, 
there came a time when the choir which was then 
composed mainly of young people, thinking him too 
"old fashioned'' to assist in public singing, gave 
him a gentle hint to such effect, upon which he gath- 
ered up his books and went quietly below into his 
pew without remonstrance, or show" of martyrdom 
which usually accompanies such summary proceed- 
ings. Within two months the choir failing, he as 
c[uietly returned to his old position. The same thing- 
occurred several times ; but wdiether in the congre- 
gation or in the choir, Mr. Cady was never discon- 
certed, but always, under all circumstances, ready 
to "Praise God from whom all blessings How." 

Though eccentric, his peculiarities but more j)lainly 
showed his purity of heart and honesty of purpose. 

The following incident will illustrate a 2)eculiar 
characteristic. He sold a horse to a neighbor for 
seventy-live dollars, which tln^ purchaser considered 
a very reasonable and satisfactory price. But for 
several days Mr. Cad}' was uneasy, and stated to his 
family " that he feared he liad received too much. 
To Ix" sure the horse was just as recommended, but 



IIISTOUICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 89 

l)er]iaps lie had over estimated liis value." He ac- 
eordingly went to tlie purchaser and insisted upon 
returning him ten dollars, although he was entirely 
satisfied with the original priee paid. 

Ml-. Cady was not faultless— to err is liuman ; but 
his errors were of the head lather than of the heart. 
He died August 20th, 1864, ao-ed sixty-nine years. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Steameu Ensj:noiie~-Capt. Kell(k;<;— I)i\e Over- 
bo aud. 

Ill 1847 Aaron Kellogg c-cdiceived tlie idea of build- 
ing a steamboat to be used in navigating tlie waters 
<^f tlie Owasco Lake, and opening up lull and speedy 
communication between tlie city of Auburn and 
Moravia via Camp's Bridge. Aaron thereupon in- 
vested his spare money and that of some of liis friends, 
in boards, plank, and other materials, together with 
a small steam engine, selected a suitable place for 
building and launching his vessel, (which was imme- 
diately in the rear of the tannery,) and went to work- 
in course of time his vessel was completed, christen- 
ed the ^^Ensenore," and launched with considerable 
eclat, into Mill Creek. Horses wen^ then provided, 
and the boat dragged and pushed to the Inlet, where. 
by Capt. Kellogg' s order, the teams and ropes W(-re 
faken oif, hre built, and the Ensenore started on its 
tortuous way to the Owasco. Very soon, however, 
it was apparent that some great mistake had been 
made in the erecti<m of the vessel. It refused to 
obey the Captaiirs orders, though given with givar 
promptness and decision. Steam was shut oil', and 



92 IIISTOUICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVJA. 

an examination iiuulc, during wliich tlie l)oat was as 
qniet as a laiul), bnt at every attempt to '"move on," 
showed a- very decided inclination to stand on end. 
This faidt, which seemed as a monntain to those on 
board, was but a mole hill to the undaunted Aaron, 
who said it could be easily remedied, and accordingly 
a few hundred pounds of stone w^ere loaded upon 
the stern of the vessel, and another effort made to 
proceed, which failed. Ilj^on fartlun' examinatio]! 
it was ascertaiiKHl that the ])ooi' Ensenore, upon re- 
ceiving its additional weight of stone, had settled 
deep into the mud ! But Capt. Kellogg, still un- 
daunted, went on l:)oard with the half dozen men who 
were assisting him, and assured them that by throw- 
ing off a portion of the freight, and putting on a little 
more steam, he could yet make a start, which being 
done, a plug ])lew out allowing steam to escape, 
which so frightened the Captain that he S]3rang in 
terror to tln^ side of the boat, exclaiming, '■^Dire 
oDerhoard hoys, or site' II blow us all to li-l!'" and suit- 
ing the action to the word, dove into the blaclv muck 
and w^ater of the Inlet, deeper than the Ensenore 
with its overweight of ballast. The boiler did not 
burst, however, but Aaron's steamboat, like certain 
works of his ancient namesake, ended in smoke. — 
The Ensenore was a failure, and likewise its owner, 
iinancially and as a boat builder; but he could put 
together a good raft. 



H 



CHAPTER .\IV. 

TempePwVxce— FiiiST Total Ap.stinance Pledge- 
John Stoyell the Fiust Signer — "You sign and 
I will" — I. O, OF Good Templehs — Opganiza- 
TioN — Names of Woiitiiy Chiefs. 

The earl}^ settlers in Morinia. win-e all acciistoiiied 
to the use of intoxicatiiiii,' liquors as a beverao>>. — 
They kept and used them in their families ; children 
were helped moderatel}' to wliiske}^ in their infancy, 
and helped themselves abundantly in after years. — 
At all times and in all places, it was considered an 
indispensable household article. Houses were but 
indifferently furnished which had not a jug of "black 
strap" within its cupboard. 

So on all occasions — l»otli of Church or Stale, 
All took their regular driuks, and took them straight ; 
At births, in order that the child be frisky, 
Old folks and child must take a little whiskey ; 
At weddings, bless you, at such joyous season, 
One must get drunk and put away his reason ; 
And funerals, all other time surpasses. 
For after " dust to dust," mm and molasses. 

Clergy and laity, publican and sinner, found no 
cause of disagreement, no bone of contention in this, 
but with one accord endorsed the sweet maxim, "A 
12 



94 IIISTOIUCAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

little wine is good for the stomacli's sake,'' blessed 
the memory of St. Paul, and quadrupled the i)rescrip- 
tion. Custom, which regulates these things more 
than statutes, allowed all classes to drink liquors, 
while the deacons and elders of the church distilled 
and sold them. It is not strange that under those 
influences, a temperance refonnation seemed almost 
impracticable, or that total abstinence principles 
found few endorsers ; it is more surprising that any 
were found bold enough to attempt to stem the cur- 
rent of public opinion, by proclainriiig themselves 
temperance men, and opposed to lic[uor drinking, or 
its use in any manner. 

The masses throughout the country were bitterly 
opposed to such a project. But it is an historical 
fact, that all reforms have been begun by a few in 
the midst of the many, and under almost insurmount- 
able difficulties and discouragements. It is almost 
impossible to change or eradicate a man's flxed 
principles and prejudices, especially if he belongs to 
the majority, and is in the popular, current. 

But notwithstanding the wdiolesale use of intoxi- 
cating liquors, one man was found who believed that 
the happiness of the iVidividual, family and countiy, 
and especially of his own community, depended upon 
discarding entirely their sale and use. In 1830 John 
Stoyell, alw^ays the flrst in any good work, after 
reading the temperance sermons of Dr. Lyman Beech- 
er, drafted and signed, together wdth his family, a 
total abstinence pledge. He then presented it to 
Chauncey Wright, then and always thereafter an in- 



1II8T0KICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. !)5 

timate frioiid, wlio tilso eoiiviiiced that the p]i]ici})le 
was right, becaiiio the fourth signer. Mr. Wright 
put the j)ledge into his pocket, went to Cjtus Looniis 
and quietly bronclied tlie " Cold AVater Question," 
(so called, ) to liini. After considerable general con- 
versation, Mr. Wright asked him if he was not going 
to sign Deacon t^toyelFs pledge, to which Mr. Loomis 
replied, that he tJiought not ; but being rather closely 
pressed, and confident of the safety of his proposi- 
tion, said, "Chauncey, I'm as much a temperance 
man as you are, and icJien yoii .s'h/ji tlie pledge^ I 
loill P^ whereui)on the document was produced al- 
ready executed. Fairly entrapped, but true to his 
word, he placed his signature upon the paper, and 
in company with Mi". Wright, labored all day in ob- 
taining signatures to this, the first temperance pledge 
circulated in th(^ town, which at night contained the 
names of forty persons. 

The "• Washingtonians," ''Sons of Temperance," 
"Cadets," and various othc^r societies have been 
organized in aid of the temperance cause, and have 
done what they could for its promotion. 

A Lodge of Good Templars was instituted in this vil- . 
lage, in 1857, under the auspices of Isaac Cady, John 
Stoyell, Austin B. Hale, and others, which continued 
in operation for several years, gathering in a large 
membership, many of whom but for the influence 
and protection of tln^ society. VNOiild probably have 
died drunkards. 

On .lune 20tli, 180(5, the ''Rising Star Lodge" was 
organized, with Mi-. Nichols as AVorth}- Chief, and 



96 HISTORICAL SKETCnES OF MORATJA, 

has now upon its records tlu' names of a])oiit one 
hundred menilx^rs, and is an efficient, working lodge, 
laboring for the best interests of their fellow men, — 
The following named members }vd\o held the office 
of Worthy Chief : W. W. Nichols, Jesse M. Frost, 
A. J. Hicks, Lauren M. Townsend, Horace H. Baker, 
O. E. VanEtten, Asael Lee, O. F. Raynej-, Q. T). 
(Ireeniield, Fred Downing, Mark Hariis, James M. 
French, Rowland I). Wade, Miss Edna Dean, and 
James M. Palmer- 
All these temperance societies have dcme well, and 
accomplished much good in tlu-ir day ; Init they have 
not been able to acconq^lish all that tempeiance men 
have wished, or to destroy the influence which u])- 
holds and protects tlie liquor interests of the country. 
How shall the liquor traffic be regulated ( is a ques- 
tion of great magnitude among thinking men. Can 
a prohibitory law, if constitutional, be enforced ? or is 
an excise law well executed, the better plan ? or is it 
better to allow liquors to be sold freely by every one 
and any one, until from tlieir deleterious and deadly 
effects, all men shall unite to banish thein from the 
land ^ All of these methods are advocated, and are 
being tried ; but meantime these temperance organi- 
zations art^ endeavoring to gather in and shield those 
who are unable to protect themselves. All men are 
frail, but none so Aveak as he Mdio has fixed upon 
him, an appetite for strong drink, and none so worthy 
of assistance and encouragement as he who is strug- 
gling almost against hope, for release from the body 
of this inhimity, AYe sa^', God speed, to every man. 



IlISTOItlCAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 9T 

woman, and cliikl, and every society <'ngagcd in tlie 
temperance cause, in saving men from themselves. 
But after all tlie earnest lal^or of j^ears, men still 
become drunkards and vagabonds upon the earth. 
Not only is the use of intoxicating liquors as a bev- 
erage the great cause of di^stitution and misery in. 
the land, and the source whenci^ cometli a terrible 
catalogue of crimes, ])ul' is also iinanciall}' a lieavy 
burden to the state and to ever}' tax payei' within its 
borders. 

All admit tliat the excessive use is a curse to the 
user and to all associated with him ; but yet perhaps 
a majoritj' of electors in the state of New Yoik are 
opposed to prohibitory or excise laws (uidess the 
latter are very liberally construed), and under such 
circumstances, no such law, however good and just 
in itself, can be sustained or enforced. The great 
question therefore, "How shall the tide of intemper- 
ance be stayed f remains unanswered. A nation of 
captives to this evil^ no Moses has yet appeared to 
liberate or lead to better hopes and liappiness. 

The sale and use as a beverage, of intoxicating 
drinks, is a curse to society and a crime against hu- 
inanity, and in the humble opinion of the writer, 
all intoxicating liquors should be banislied from the 
land except for medicinal purposes, and in such ca- 
ses should be dealt out with all the care and strict- 
ness observed in the sale of poisoiious drugs and 
medicines. 

But public opinion will not now consent to this 
summar}- method of dis])osingof this matter, and an- 



08 niSTORICAL SKRTi'ilKS OF ilORAVIA. 

otlitT must be devised. And tlierc is but one otlier safe 
eours*' to pursue. The future liopeof the nation is in 
tlie cliildren ; upon their education depends its future 
iionor or dishonoi'. If taui^lit tlie principles of sobri- 
ety, to detest and slum the wine cup and the resort 
of the wine bibber, aiul that there is safety and 
health only in total abstinence from all that will in- 
toxicate, there need be little soli(;itude as to tlie wel- 
fare of the nation in this subject. If the children 
are raised under correct moral and religious instruc- 
tions, when tliey are old they will not depart from 
them — a temperate young man will almost always be 
temperate through life. 

Sad as may seem the philosophy which consigns 
men to the ruin wliich continuous intemperance inev- 
itably brings, without endeav(^ring to save, experi- 
ence teaches that such endeavoi's are geneiully fail- 
ures. Health, propeity, love of home, love of friends, 

are remorselessl}^ sncriticed to tliis insatiable demon. 
Scarce love of life, nor fear of death, suffice to tui-n 
the drunkard from his downward course. Tempc^r- 
ance and Anti-Dram Shop l^nties, nor all the para- 
phernalia and machi]ieiy of oi'gnni/ations which be- 
nevolent and well meaning men have instituted and 
set in motion, and efficiently and <nirnestly sustained 
for half a century, have more than I'escued a small 
})roportion, here and there from the great mass who 
went down to the drunkards gra\'e. But w'ere the 
labors of organizations and the magnificcmt efforts of 
temperance men and wonu'U directed to a strict 
tenq)erance education of the children, a quarter of a 
century hence this great question will be solved, cus- 
tom will no longer tolerat(^, or public opinion sustain, 
the sale or use of that which makes a man an enemy 
to himself and society, and a disgrac(^ to humanity. 



(CHAPTER X\ \ 

Military — IOOtii Regiment — Genera lTraimxg — 
Naimes of Officers — A Colonel's Hat ix the 
Pork Barrel^Are we all Corporals — Cart. 
Powers and Lieut. Locke — I a:m Boiie:m<)T1i— 
Bull Sound B — Present Militia — Names of men 
— Old 19tii — Co. F. — Naimes of Volunteers — 
Shoddy Clothing — Two Years — Consolidation 
— 3d N. Y. Ar.tillery' — Goldsboro, Newburn, 
&€. — Samuel Andrews killed — Mustered oi"T 
— 75th Regi3ient — Co. A. — Names of Officers 
AND Men — Fort Pickens — Death of Lyman H. 
Goodrich — Expeditions in Louisiana^Danger- 
ous Exploit of Lieut. Worden — Charles H. 
Lakey and Ja]\[es K.Gould— AVorden and Gould 
WOUNDED — Port Hudson — Shenandoah Valley 
—111th Regiment — Co. L— Harper's Ferry 
Captured — Gettysburg— John Tho-Mas wounded 
— Levi AVhite's Narrow Escape iium Death — 
W^r. EI. BiRDSALL AvouNDED— Levi White wound- 
ed — Ebenezer PLx\tt killed— xi Bloodless Duel 
— Levi White again wounded — Rea]\is Station 
— Captl'red — Libby Prison — PitisoN Fare — 
Starvation — Exchanged— Capturinc; a Flag — 
Humphrey Davenport wounded — The last Bat- 
tle of the 111th — 138TII Regiment — Names of 
MEN from this Town — IGOth RegimeN'J' — Co. F. 
—Names from this Town — Bayou Teche — Gun- 
boat "Diana" — Under Fire — Capt. Josiaii P. 
Jewett wounded — John D. Clap.k wounded— 



100 HISTORICAL SKETCIIKS OF MORAVIA. 

The Diana SrinncxDinis— Fokm of Paiiole-Jo- 
siAir E. AViiiTE wouxDEi) — Cedau Ckeek— JosiAii 

E. AVlUTE AGAIX WOUNDED. 

About 1810 a Military Ilegimciit, known as the lOOtli, 
was organized, consisting of seven companies from 
the following i)laces : Moravia, Locke, Summerhill, 
Dresserville, Dutch Hollow, Kelloggsville, and Pen- 
nyville, with the following officers : 

Col. Zndoc Rhodes, Moravia ; First Major Peleg 
Slade, Kelloggsville ; Second Major Daniel Sage, 
Locke. The following named were Captains : Wm. 
Foote, Locke; Martin Barber, Summerhill; Eli Al- 

water, Dresserville ; AVatson, Dutch Hollow ; 

Luther Fuller, Kelloggsville ; Abijali Allen, Penny- 
ville ; Asa Little, Moravia. Major Sage afterwards 
became Brigadier General. 

AA^e give the names of other persons who were 
Captains of the Moravia Company in after years, in 
the order in which they held the office : Asa Little, 
Watts Skinner, James Powers, John Locke, Orsa- 
mus Dibble, Henry AA^. Locke, John Stoyell, Lau- 
rence A-^osburg. Artillery, Captain Isaac Cady. 

Captain Henry AA^. Locke subsequently became 
Lieut. Colonel, and Captain Abijali Allen, Colonel. 
The regiment was afterward commanded b}^ Colonel 
P. H. YanSchaick. Dr. William E. Cooper was Sur- 
geon, and Amasa H. Dunbar Surgeons Mate. 

The following is a copy of Mr. Dunbai-'s commis- 
sion : 



niSTORlOAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 101 

" The People of the 8laie of New' York : 

To all to whom these Presents shall come, know ye. 
That pui'siiant to the Constitution and Laws of our 
said State, we have appointed and constituted, and 
by these presents do appoint and constitjite Amasa 
H. Dunbar, Surgeons Mate of the lOOtli Regiment of 
Infantry, of our said State, (with rnnk from July 26, 
1838,) to hold tlie said ofhce in the manner specified 
in and by oui' said Constitution and Lav.s. 

Ix Testimony WiiEitEoF, we have caused 
our Seal for Military Coimnissions to be here- 
unto affixed. 
( Witness. j AVILLIAM L. MAIK^Y, Esq.. 

Governor of our said State, General and Command- 
er-in-Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the 
Navy of the same, at our Citj' of Albany, the l(3tli 
day of August, 1838. 

Passed the Adjutant GeneraTs office. 

W. L. MAKCY. 
Allkx Ma(T)oxali), Adjutant General. 

"General Training,"' or regimental di-ill, occurred 
annually, and lasted one day, Avhile officers drill 
generally occupied three. Officers in their military 
dress and large thiee-corjiered cocked hats, made 
what was consider<'d in those days, a very grand dis- 
play-. 

Speaking of hats, it is said that Coloiie! Rhodes 

resided in a small log house near the Brick Yard. 

and like very many of his neighbois of thos.' days, 

was sometimes rather shoi-t of rations. When the 
13 



103 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKxVVIA. 

new large military liat was first received by tlie Col- 
onel, having but little room in the house, he was 
somewhat puzzled in linding a proper jjlace to store 
so valuable an article, when it was not in use, (it be- 
ing a Colonel' s hat and rather too "hefty" to asso- 
ciate with common furniture), and finally inquired 
of his wife '' Where he had better put that hat," and 
received the somewhat sarcastic yet trutliful answer, 
"In the pork barrel is the most room." How small 
a step from the sublime to the ridiculous. Of course 
the Colonel appreciated the value of a full larder, 
but it was not an auspicious moment for giving liim 
a reminder in that direction. But the honor of hold- 
ing office of whatever grade, was generally fully ap- 
preciated and participated in by the wives of those 
fortunate persons, and female society received some 
sudden convulsions after an election or promotion. 
Naturally tlu^ "gude wife" shared in the general 
notoriety. 

Upon one occasion it is said that Mr. Little came 
home to a late supper, having just been promoted to 
"Corporal." Considerably elated, and with all a 
"little sprung," he and Mrs. Little were congratu- 
lating tlunnselves over their good fortune, wiien a 
small voice from the trundle bed innocently inquired, 
^^ 3 fain, are ice all Corporals?'' and was answered, 
"07^ no, Bub ! no body hid yoirrfatlter and /." 

In those days everybody drank liquor, and often 
upon "training days," and especially at officers' 
drill, these gentlemen showed great lack of military 
discipline and knowledge, or inability to perform 
according to ''Hoyle." 



HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAVIA. 103 

At one time after tlie first day's training'. Captain 
Powers went liome at niglit tliinking tliat liis Lieu- 
tenant, John Locke, had imbibed rather too mncli of 
the ardent; accordingly at about four o'clock the 
next morning Lieut. Locke was aroused from his 
slumbers hy a ^'tapping at his chamber door,'' which 
being opened, in walked Capt. Powers, when the fol- 
lowing dialogue occurred : 

Ccq^t. Powers. Good morning friend Locke. 

Lieut. LocJce. Good morning Captain, out (\nrh-. 

Ccqjt Friend Locke, to tell the truth, I came down 
to have a little talk, between ourselves. You see, 
friend Locke, yesterday 3^ou and I got a little over 
the sea — drank a little too much ; we didn't appear 
as well as we ought to, not as well as we coidd on 
drill. 

Lieut. That's a fact, that's a fact. 

Capf. Now we musen't take anything to-daj'. we 
must keep sober and make a good appearance, and 
set a better example before the other officers and 
men. 

Lieut. You'r right. Captain, right, 3^011' ]• always 
right ; example is ever^'thing. Stay to breakfast. 
Captain Powers, and we'll talk things all over. — 
Mother' s going to cook the suckers. 

Thereupon the officers consulted over someijrelimi- 
nary arrangements to be made upon the grounds, &:c., 
after which said 

IJeut. IjCjel'e. Ca})tain, got up pr(>tty early didn't 
you '. 

Capt. Yes. pretty early for me. 



104 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF ilORAYIA. 

Lieut. Let's take some bitters to strengtlieii yonr 
appetite — got some good tanzy. 

Capt. No, no, friend Locke, we've inad(^ all the 
arrangements — and onr example, you know. 

Lieut. You'r right, Captain, but you aint used to 
it ; you woli't get througli without anything all day : 
you know it' s a sudden change, better start loell 2iWj 
way ; try a little of that (pouring out a glass), it 
gives a relish for the suckers. 

Gapt. (sipping) You see our example, friend Locke, 
will be worth everything to-day — off-set yesterday. 
AVe had almost too much yesterday. 

Lieut. You're right, Captain Powers, take another 
glass of this tanzy to quit on, helps your appetite, 
you got up so early. Nothing like sober officers. 
Captain. Let's liave breakfast and take a little tanzy 
to settle it, and go down sober, and set an example. 

To which the Captain, having risen so early, con- 
sented. An hour afterward these officers were march- 
ing in Indian file, with drawn swords, to the Brick 
Tavern, before which tliey drew up and formed a 
"hollow square," Captain Powers exclaiming with 
authoritative voice, and Hashing sword, "lam Bo- 
hemoth, I trusteth that I can drink up a river ! "' It 
is needless to add that those officeis had a general 
training of their own tliat day, in which Captain 
Powers told the Lieutenant for the fortieth time, how 
much he loved his Company and especially his Lieu- 
tenant. To which the Lieutenant invaiiably replied, 
with index finger pointed at an angle of 45 degrees, 
''Hark ye! hark ye I Captain, there's a God in Is- 



'inSTOlUOAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 105 

rael." Before night these officers had risen from 
Captain and Lieutenant to Major, Colonel and Gene- 
ral, successively, having been fairly, and as Lieuten- 
ant Locke emphatically announced, unana???o?('.9h^ 
elected, the Captain puttiiig the vote and the Lieu- 
tenant voting, and vice versa. 

In those days John Locke was a musician, and 
his favorite instrument l>eing a bassoon. Upon one 
occasion returning liome from practice, feeling pretty 
highly elated and full of fun, inst<'ad of kee})i]ig the 
highway, he went across the fields, of which a bull 
was the sole occupant. Whereupon hearing the 
animars voice, he took the opportunity to instruct 
liim somewhat in the rudiments of music, as follows : 
•".Hello, bull you got a musical voice; sound high 
note or low note first rat(\ I'ju a musician. Take the 
key," and sending forth a moderate blast from his 
bassoon, said, '■'There, bull, sound B," to which the 
bull, approaching near(n-, gave lather an unsatisfac- 
tory sound. "•Oil. modulate your voic(^ — modulate 
your voice," ^ays Lockcv "Your lirst too low and 
then too liigh. Ib^re," <'oming nearer and placing 
his bassoon close to Mi-. B's ear, "Bull, sound B," 
gave a tremendous blast, and jumped for the fence, 
which was close at hand, but partially missing his 
hold, the Itull. witli a key note which shook the 
ground, made dou])le short metre time and land(Hl 
his musical teacher in a gully near by, wliih^ his bas- 
soon became the booty of the bull as contvn-bnn(7 
of war. and was speedily demolisli(>(l in his vin-y 
face and eyes, whih^ Locke, jiicking himsi^lf u]) abiio-f 



106 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEATIA, 

ripeecliless, nibbing his sides, looking up to tlie top 
of tlie bank, where the bull stood, tossing his head., 
and pawing up the earth, slowly exclaimed, "Oh 
you needn't bow and scra])e and pretend it was an. 

accident, you did it on purpose, you d n Butch 

bull, your no gentleman, or, or, iiiuslcian eifher.'''' 

As before stated, almost everybody drank liquoi- 
in those days. Captain Powers was a member of the 
church. In later days Captain Powers and John 
Locke both became temperance men. 

Captain Locke was the best historian in the County., 
and a shrewd politician, but had no ambition fo]* 
office, and though one of the best tacticians in his 
regiment he refused to acct'pt any office liigh(,'r tban 
Captain, and finally declined that. 

PEEvSE]>fT MILITIA, 

" He that kills me some six or seyeu dozen of Scotts at a breakfast, 
washes his hands and says, ' Fie upon this quiet life, I want work.'' 
' Oh my sweet Harry, ^ says she, ^how mariy hast thou killed to-day ?' 
' Give toy roan horse a drench,' says he, and answers, 'Some four- 
teen.'' An hour after, ' A trifle, a trifle.' " — Shak. 

In 1870, Company H., of the 49th Eegiment X. Y. 
S. M., was organized, with the following named offi- 
cers and privates : 

Capt. Rowland D. Wade ; First Lieut. George 
McGeer ; Second Lieut. FredB. Ileald ; Orderly Ser- 
geant Yv^^dierii^k. Small ; P. K. Becker, Wm. H. Hike. 
\Ym. H. Secour, Abram ^N^ostrandt, A. W . Marshall, 
Walter Whalen, Silas W. Austin, Clias. E. Wright. 
Albert Campbell, Patrick McNamarra, Jabez Lilly, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 107 

Wm. A. Davenport, Ohas. A. Arnold, August Le- 
Imiaiit, John H. Harris, Edwin I). Arnold, Frank 
Fittsmartin, Charles Ogesby, Byron J. Lomhard, 
€. Bently, Q. B. Greentield, James Dolan, Cory den 
Arnold, Fred Bingham, Dan Royce, Wm. McGeer, 
Orlando Claiiin. 

It is to be ho]_)ed that the services of these gallant 
••[Sons of Mars" may never be needed at home or 
libroad, but that tlieir swords may be speedily beaten 
into plowsliai'cs and thi^r spears into pruning liooks. 

VOLT'NTEEKS.* 

Civil war was inaugurated directly, b}^ th<' attack 
upon and l)om])ardmeiit of Fort Sumpter by the 
Rebels, on April 12, 1801. Three daj's tliereaften'. 
Pj-esident Lincoln issued a Proclamation calling for 
75,000 men, to sup})ress the rebellion and maintain 
the integrity of the government and tln^ laws. To 
this call, Cayuga, Count}^ was among th(> first to re- 
spond. Measures w(Me immediately taken to orga- 
nize a regiment; and by the active co-opeiation of 
the principal l)usiness men of the county, in an al- 
most incredible sliort time tlie I'Jth was on its way to 
the front. 

In the formation of this ]-(^gimeiit. Moravia was not 
a whit behind the othei- towns of tlie (•(mnt}'. — 
Enthusiastic ••Wai- Me(>tiiigs'"' wei-e held, andaCom- 
pau}'' formed, which was afterward known as Com- 
pany F, with N. T. Stei)liens, Esq., a i^i'ominem: 
lawyer, as Captain, and Watson (*. Scpiire, at that 
time Principal of t\\o Moravia .Vca<lemy. as First 



108 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

Lieutenant, and Edward D. Parker as Second Lien- 
tenant, and tlie following named as subordinate offi- 
cers and men from this town : 

Sergeants. — Edgar B. Warren, Daniel Bothwell,, 
Barney C. Goodrich, and Robert Haynes. 

Corporal. — James Mosher. 

Druiiimer. — James Ca una v a 1 1 . 

Fifer. — Wm. E Sanford. 

Pricates. — Samuel Andrews, George IL Barlow, 
Charles L. Beitz, Charles W. Brokaw, Isaac Bradley, 
John Cannavan, Curtis Fritts, Wm. Fiiej-, Daniel 
Frieze, T, Gordan, • Peter D. Greenman, D. AVebb 
Goodridge, Ezra Harter, Joseph Kenned} , John L. 
LaBarrow, Abner II, Livingston, Dwight Powers, 
Frank Rowny, Benj, Roclvwood, John Tyler, Seth 
VanBen Scoten, William YauTassel, Upson Watts. 
R. D. Wade went out as Corpoial in Company E. 

The regiment was ordered to Elmira, N. Y., and 
shortly thereafter an election* of Regimental Officers 
was held, and John S. Clark, of Auburn, was elected 
Colonel, and Clarence A. Seward, of New York, as 
Lieut. Colonel of the regiment. The balance of the 
officers w^ere mostly from the city of Auburn. 

The regiment having been uniformed, although in 
a manner very unsatisfactory to tliemselves and their 
friends, and in suits the farthest removed from uni- 
formit}' of color or material, on June 6, 18G2, were 
ordered to the seat of war. Arriving at AYashington,- 
tlie}^ encamped upon ''Kalorama Heights," near the 
city of Washington, where they remained for about 
thirty days, and were ordered to join Gen. Paterson, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 109 

and remained under his coniniand during tlie battle 
of Bull Eun, while Gen. Johnson was peraiitted to 
reinforce Gen. Beauregard, and thus decide that 
memorable battle in favor of the rebel army ; Gen. 
Paterson with a force of 20,000 men, remaining unem- 
ployed, when if he had obeyed orders, and forced 
an engagement with Johnson, the Union forces would 
doubtless have been victorious, and the government 
saved the disgrace which followed the retreat to 
Washington. 

The 19th was organized as a ninety days regiment, 
the men were sworn in as such, and expected at the 
end of that time to return to their homes ; but at the 
expiration of that term, they were without notice, 
turned over to the United States to serve out the 
additional term of one year and eight months. This 
arrangement, coming so suddenly and unexpectedly, 
a large pro2:)ortion of the regiment rebelled, and re- 
fused to serve longer. But the ''powers that were" 
prevailed, the contest between the men of the 19th 
and the authority of the government was too unequal? 
and the 19th, with a few exceptions, were obliged to 
submit and return to the ranks. 

In September following, Company F. was consoli- 
dated with Company A. Capt. Stephens and Lieuts. 
E. D. Parker and Squires were mustered out, the two 
former returning home and the latter taking the com- 
mand of a western regiment. 

About January 1, 1862, the 19th was reorganized 
as an artillery regiment, and was thereafter known as 



14 



110 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

the 3d jST. Y. V. Artillery, and ordered to Newbern. 
N. C, to join the forces of Gen. Burnside. 

From Newbern various expeditions were made 
through the adjoining countiy. In one of these, on 
September 5th, 1862, at Washington, N. C, Samuel 
S. Andrews of this town was killed. 

The 3d also took part in the battles of Kiiiston, 
Whitehall, Goldsboro, &c. The men were mustered 
out at the expiration of their term, on June 2d, 1873, 
and returned home, having been in the service two 
years. 

The ranks of the 3d artillery were soon filled by re- 
enlistments from Cayuga and adjoining counties, 
none however, from this town. 

The volunteers from this tov^n in the "Old 19th" 
escaped the very severe fighting which fell to the lot of 
those of the other regiments from this vicinit}^, partly 
for the reason that they were located most of the 
time in a section which was comparatively quiet, and 
for the further reason that in be<)oining an artillery 
tegiment, they were not as a rule, exposed to a close 
fire from the enemy, which the infantry regiments 
experienced. But the men were courageous and 
worthy to be remembered as those who, in the first 
hours of danger, unhesitatingly left their homes to 
defend the government, and even its chief citadel, 
from invasion. 

SEVENTY -FIFTH EEGIMEjS^T. 

■ The second regiment formed in this district, was 
the 75th. It went out with John A. Dodge as Colo- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. Ill 

nel, Robert B. Merritt, Lieutenant Colonel, and Wil- 
lougliby Babcock, of Cortland County, Major. > 

The volunteers from this town enlisted in Com- 
pany A., under Captain C. D. MacDougall, ; their 
names are as follows : 

David L. Gould, Amos H. Ercanbrack, James O. 
Davenport, Lewis A. Carr, John Cannavan, William 
Dennis, David Feek, Lyman H. Goodrich, James 
Jones, Wm. H. Jones, James E. Mosher. 

Dr. Cyrus Powers was appointed Assistant Sur-i 
geon of this regiment, and afterward received the 
appointment of Surgeon of the 160th Regiment of 
this State. 

The regiment was ordered to Fort Pickens, Florida, 
where it arrived about the middle of December, 
1861, doing duty as necessity demanded, but expe- 
riencing very little fighting until the following Au- 
gust, when the 7oth was sent to New Orleans to join 
the forces under command of Gen. Butler. While 
at Fort Pickens, one of the boys from this town, 
Lyman H. Goodrich, died. 

While under Gen. Butler, the 75th made several 
expeditions tlirough the country adjoining New Or- 
leans, — none, however, of very great importance. 
After Gen. Banks assumed command, considerable 
skirmishing ensued in the southern part of Louisi- 
ana, at Bayou Teche, and Brasheur City, &c., the 
regiment losing at the former place several good men 
— none, however, being from this town. In April, 
1863, another campaign was agreed upon, which re- 
sulted in several severe marches and battles, and 



113 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAYIA. 

considerable loss of life, and in the capture of a 
quantity of cotton ; but otherwise was of little im- 
portance, and terminated without any apparent suc- 
cessful operations. During this time occurred the 
battle of Fort Bisland, which u}K)n the arrival of the 
forces of Gen. Banks, was occupied by the rebels 
commanded by Gen. Dick Taylor. Fort Bisland 
was flanked upon one side by Grand Lake, while 
upon the other were swamjis, underbrush, and low 
shrubbery and weeds, which made an attack from 
that side extremely difficult and hazardous, as the 
enemy could not be seen except at yery close range. 
The rebel works were well built and sti-ong, and 
w^ere protected by seyeral cannon, and aliout 11,000 
men— Gen. Banks haying but 14,000 elf ective men at 
the time. A part of this force under Gen. Grover, 
was ordered to proceed up Grand Lake, while the 
balance, including the 75th, which acted as skir- 
mishers, were to make an attack from the left 
through th<' swamp above described. Into this ter- 
rible Jungle the TStli advanced with great caution, 
with orders to discover the positicm and force of the 
enemy. 

On the 12th day of May, 1863, while slowly ad- 
yancing, the 75th was opened upon by a terrible 
liring from the enemy's entrenchments. Iloweyer, 
undaunted, the braye men continued to hold their 
position, while the 160th brought up the right cen- 
tre. At this point, Lieut. Col. Babcock ordered the 
75th to lie down near the banks of a lai'ge ditch, 
while Lieut. AVorden, and two oi' three men should 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 113 

proceed to recoiinoitei-. It was iindei'stood that these 
men shoiikl be followed by the regiment after they 
had been gone fifteen minutes. The men selected 
by Lieut. Worden, were Charles H. Lakey and David 
S. (roiild, of this town. 

Tlie undertaking was ono of extreme danger and 
difficult}'. The thick foliage of tlie low undergrowtli 
of brushwood, togetlier with more or less mud and 
water underneath, rendered their progress very slow, 
while the utmost caution was required, as the enemy 
were know^n to be but a short distance from our 
troops ; but just where their ))atteries were located, 
or where their infantry might be concealed, was un- 
known. 

Tliese three men. knowing the danger to which 
they w^ere exposed, undertook t(j ascertain the 
enemy's position and report the same to Gen. Wiet- 
zel. Unable by reason of the obstructions before 
mentioned to see more than twelve or fffteen feet 
before tliem, slowly ]iicking their way, and even 
crawling upon their iiands and knees, the little party 
left the regiment Ijehind, expecting it to follow in 
sui)porting distance in case of attack. For sevend 
rods the enemy were not heard or seen, when sud- 
denly, upon coming into a small opening a few feet 
square, a rebel picket w^as discovered and surprised, 
lie being at the moment looking in an opposite di- 
rection. Upon seeing the "situation," he thrcAv 
dow^n his gun and surrendered. Lieutenant Wor- 
den accompanied him back to tlie lines, while the 
othfn's held their position until their companicm's re- 



114 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

tarn, when they again moved on as before for about 
fifty rods to another partially cleared spot, into 
which they came carefully upon their hands and 
knees, suspicions of the proximity of the rebels, 
although none had been seen except the captured 
picket. 

At the opening, they resolved to get a view of the 
prospect ahead, and accordingly rose to their feet, 
when a broadside was poured into their midst from 
the enemy' s infantry which was stationed only four 
or five rods ahead, apparently expecting them. At 
the first fire, Lieut. Worden was wounded in the 
hand and arm, and David S. Gould through the 
lungs. All three fell to the ground, thereby escap- 
ing the bullets which fiew thickly over them. Mr. 
Lakey, with great presence of mind, succeeded in 
dragging Mr. Gould back into the thicket, meantime 
giving orders for a charge, in a loud voice, which 
doubtless prevented their capture. Lieutenant 
Worden helped himself to the rear for several rods, 
to which place Mi". Lakey carried and dragged Mr, 
Gould, where all three lay several minutes com- 
pletely exhausted — Mr. Lakey from his exertions, 
and the others from pain and loss of blood. Mr. 
Lakey then hastened back to the regiment and pro^ 
curing help, returned, and the wounded men were 
carried back to the regiment, and thence to Brasheur 
City Hospital, where Mr. Gould died from the effects 
of his wound. For gallant services, Mr. Lakey re^ 
ceived a furlough for six months. 

Considerable skirmishing was had with the enemy 



HISTORICAL SKETCHP:S OF MORAVIA. 115 

during the day, and fearing an attack in the rear 
from Gen. Grover at Grand Lalve, Gen. Taylor with- 
drew his forces and abandoned the fort, together 
with a hirge number of guns which fell into the 
hands of the Union troops. 

The 75th was engaged in the siege of Port Hudson, 
and suffered severely ; also in the engagement at 
Sabine Pass. None of the men from this town, 
however, were injured. 

The regiment took its full share of the labors and 
sufferings of the war, not only in Louisiana, but in 
the Shenandoah Valley. It was decidedly a fight- 
ing regiment of first class men, and made a record 
of which the State ina}^ w^ell be proud. 

ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH. 

At the call for "three hundred thousand more," 
another regiment was formed, and part of a company 
raised in this town by Sidney Mead, as captain. 
The following persons enlisted : 

Alonzo Arnold, William Bowen, Mai'tin Booth, 
Richard Booth, Andrew Burgess, Nathan Booth, 
Sanford Burlingham, William Birdsall, James Bris- 
ter, John Baker, Wm. H. Booker, Daniel H, Craw- 
ford, Leander Creathers, Orrin Davenport, Alfred 
Hoagland, Gilbert Impson, Jonathan Jenkins, Dan- 
iel J. Lombard, Alonzo Lilly, Jabez Lilly, Hosea 
Munn, Charles Miller, Nathan Noith, Jr., Morell 
Parker, Ebenezer Piatt, Tyler Eoyce, Nathan Stur- 
gers, Alonzo Slarrow, John Slarrow, Zenas D. 
Stearns, William Shinier, William Sherman, John 
A. Thomas, Levi White, Charles White, Wayne 



116 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF AIORAVIA. 

Lester, Amos H. Ercanbrack, Aaron Clias(^, Tliomas 
Harrop, George Fox, Frederick Moss. 

The regiment went ont commanded by Colonel 
Jesse Segoine, with Clinton D. MacDongal as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, and were ordered to Harpers Feriy, 
Va., where, with several other regiments under Col. 
Miles, Commander of the Post, they were captured 
by the enemy. The frjllowing is an extract from 
"The American Conflict," giving a graphic descrip- 
tion of the location of the Union troops, and the in- 
competency, to use a wild term, of their commander. 

"Harpers Ferry is little more than a deep ravine 
or gorge, commanded on three sides by steep moun- 
tains, and of course defensil)le only from one or 
more of them. A commander who was neither a 
fool nor a traitor, seeing enemies swarming against 
him from every sidt^ would either have evacuated in 
haste and tri<3d to mak(^ liis way out of the trap, or 
concentrated his forces on one of the adjacent 
heights, and there held out until time had been 
afforded for his relief. Miles did neither. 

-M: v< % * ^^ % 

At nine o'clock, P. M., our cavalry, some 2,000 
strong, under Col. Davis, 12t]i Illinois, made their 
escape from the Ferry across the pontoon bridge to 
the Maryland bank ; passing up the Potomac unas- 
sailed through a region swarming with avenues, to 
the mouth of the Antietam, tlience striking north- 
ward across Maryland, reaching Greencastle, Pa., 
next morning, having captured by the way the amu- 
nition train of Gen. Longstreet, consisting of 50 or 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 117 

60 wagons. Miles assented to this escape ; bnt re- 
fused permission to infantry officers who asked leave 
to cut their way out : saying, he was ordered to hold 
the Ferry to the last extremity. Next moriiing at 
daybreak, the Rebel batteries reopened from some 
commanding points, directing their fiie ^principally 
at our batteries or Bolivar Heights. At 7 A. M., 
Miles stated to Gen. White, that a surrender was in- 
evitable, his artillery ammunition being all but 
exhausted ; when the brigade commanders were 
called together and assented. 

A white Hag was thereupon raised ; hnt tlie rebels 
not perceiving it, continued their fire some 30 or 40 
minutes, whereby Miles was mortally wounded.— 
Jackson was just impelling a general infantry at- 
tack, when informed that the white liag had been 
raised on the defenses. 

At 8 A, M., a capitulation was agi'eed to, under 
which 11,583 men were passed over to the enemy, 
about half of them New Yorkers, the residue mainly 
from Ohio and Maryland. Nearly all were raw 
levies ; some of them militia called out for three 
months. Among the spoils were 73 guns, ranging 
from excellent to worthless ; 1,300 small arms, 200 
wagons, and a large quantity of tents and camp 
equipage. Of horses, provisions, and munitions, the 
captures were of small amount.''' 

The 111th, although unmentioned, was of the num- 
ber who surrendered, and after remaining prisoners 
for two days they were paroled and sent to Camp 
Douglas, at Chicago, 111., where they remained five 
15 



US HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 3I0RAYTA. ^ 

weeks. Vv^ere excliangecl and ordered to Washington^ 
and thereafter to CentreviHe, Ya., where considera- 
ble skirmishing was had witli Gen. Mosby. 

The next serious fighting was experienced at Get- 
tysburg, on the 3d and 4th days of July, 1S63. The 
111th were in Gen. Hancoclvs Corps, which on the 
latter da}" were on the left of the centre of the Un- 
ion army. In one of the last engagements, on July 
ddy John A. Thomas was severely wounded in 'the 
leg, just above the ankle by a minnie ball. He was 
carried by AYilliam Shinier and others to the field 
hospital, where his leg was amputated. He was 
afterward sent to a hospital in Baltimore, Md., and 
being rendered unfit for duty was honorably dis- 
charged in April, 1864. 

LIFE ATsD DEATH. 

During the latter part of the 3d day of July, at 
Gettysbuig, this regiment was placed in front of the 
Federal batteries, and about five or six rods distant, 
and ordered to lie down behind an old dilapidated 
stone wall which afforded a very slight protection 
from stray bullets, while the enemy's batteries were 
located about one mile distant in advance, and some- 
what to the right. Lying in this position, slioiilder 
to shoulder, as close together as possible, our boys 
remained during two hours, while two hundred 
heav}' guns thundered continuously in their ears, 
and cannon balls shrieked and tore up the ground 
in all directions. While in this state of awful sus- 
pense, expecting death every moment, and nothing 
to do but waif, tln^ man u|i()n the right of Levi 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 110 

Wliite moved one place to the riglit, a vacancy hav- 
ing been made there. Mr. White, thinking to bet- 
ter liis condition, took his place, while the soldier 
on the left moved into the position which had been 
occupied by Mr. White. He had scarcely exchanged 
places when he was struck and torn to fragments by 
a cannon ball from the enemy' s battery. 

William Birdsall was wounded on July 2d, by a 
p)iece of shell which struck him in the left arm 
above the elbow, making a severe and very trouble- 
some wound. He was sent to Newark Hospital, 
N. J., where he stayed for ten months, and was then 
transferred to the 21st Regiment Reserve Corps, sta- 
tioned at Trenton, obtaining recruits. There he re- 
mained until the close of the war, and was dis- 
charged July 6, 1865. 

From the time of the battle of Gettysburg until 
October 14, 1863, the 111th had but little lighting to 
do. Upon the latter day, however, while near Bris* 
toe Station, while acting as a part of the rear guard 
of the Second Corps, the 111th, 12otli, 126th and 
39tli regiments consisting of about oOO men, were 
attacked by the forces under Gen. A. P. Hill, the 
enemy being posted in the woods on the left of the 
Union lines, the Orange & Alexandria Railroad lying 
between. Very soon after the attack was made, the 
above named regiments made a charge for the rail- 
road which was reached with some loss, and the men 
ordered to lie down behind the road embankment. 
The rebels, who were some forty rods distant, there- 
upon made a charge in turn for the purpose of dis- 



130 HISTORICAL SKETCIfES OF 3I0RAVIA. 

lodging tlie Union forces and liolding the railroad. 
Our troops remained quiet until the enemy were but 
five rods distant, when they ponred into them a ter- 
rific and deadly lire, which caused a speedy retreat. 
They were again formed in the woods, and another 
charge made npcm the left, which was met as before^ 
when their ranks were again broken, and the attack 
repnlsed with considerable loss. Seeing the result,, 
tlie Union troops charged after them loitJiout orders. 
captured t) pieces of artillery, and more prisoners 
than the successful party had numbers. Though 
this victory w^as achieved without orders, none of 
the officers in command were cashiered or the troops 
reprimanded. '''• N'ot mucli,''' as one of them said. 
During tlie first attack, Levi AYliite, who, instead 
of firing and then falling down beliind the embank- 
ment, was standing up loading and firing as rapidly 
as |)Ossible, was wounded by a ball which passed 
through his thigh, causing an ugly wound. He was 
carried off the field in a rubber blanket, and re- 
moved to Alexandria. The same ball which wound- 
ed him, struck Ebenezer Piatt in the head, killing 
him instantly. Mr. White w^as eight days in the 
hospital unable to sit up, when an order came to 
furlough eveiy man able to tiavel. He was immedi- 
ately able, or thought he would take the chances of 
getting home again, and succeeded in getting as far 
as New York City, when he gave out and was car- 
ried to the solders ' lodgings in that city, whence he 
came to Moravia, was seized with inflammation of 
the lunus and was sick for two months. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 310RAVIA. 121 

Upon recovering his liealtli lie retiirnecl to liis reg- 
iment at North Anna River, on May 25th, 1864. The 
111th was skirmishing nearly every clay with the en- 
emy ; l>nt the array kept marching on towaid Rich- 
mond by day and digging trenches by night. 

During tlie campaign, Mr. White being on the 
skirmish line, was shot at b}^ a rebel, who immedia- 
tely sought shelter behind a large tree, nearly two 
feet in diameter, which entirel}^ shielded his person. 
White took his position behind a small pine sapling 
only eight or ten inches through, which protected 
only a portion of his body, leaving the residue a fair 
target for his opixment, twelve rods, distant. Busi- 
ness was hrisJi ; some t«m shots had been exchanged, 
the rebel having greatlj' the advantage of position, 
and White's gun being a miserable concern, when a 
ball struck the edge of the tree behind which White 
w^as partially concealed, and came nearly through, 
just breaking the bark in range of his head. Fearing 
that in course of time the enemy might miss the tree 
but not the portion of the U. S. soldier exposed to 
view, said solditn- deemed discretion the better part 
of valor, and skij^ped along out of range. 

Very soon after this occurrence he was again 
w^ounded by a minnie ball, which entered his right 
})reast and glanced out through his right arm. He 
\^'as again sent liome on a furlough, and having re- 
gained his health i-ejoined his regiment at Petersburg, 
August 1st, 1864, in cam]), the Se(^ond Oor2:)S being 
reserves; meantime tlie regiment liad experienced 
severe lio-hting. 



132 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

Tlie next battle was fouglit at Reams' Station. — 
The following is from "The Ameriean Conflict." — 
"Hancock returned from the north of the James^ 
had worked rapidly to the Welden Road, in the rear 
of Warren. Striking it at Reams' Station, he had 
been busily tearing it up for tAvo or three days, when 
his cavalry gave warning that the enemy in force 
were at hand. Their first blow fell on Miles division 
on our right, and was promptly repulsed ; but Hill 
ordered Heth, under a heavy fire of artillery, to try 
again, and at all events carry the position, which he 
ultimately did at the fourth charge, capturing three 
batteries. Hancock ordered Gibbons' division to re- 
take them, but they failed to do so. 

Miles, rallying a part of his scattered division and 
fighting it admirably, recovered part of his lost 
ground and one of his captured batteries. 

Gibbons' Division, assailed by a force of dismount- 
ed cavalry, was easily driven from its breastworks ; 
but the enemy attempting to follow up his success, 
was checked and repelled by a heavy flank fire from 
our dismounted cavalry posted on the left. 

Though but four miles from Warren's position, 
no reinforcements, owing to various blunders, reach- 
ed Hancock until he had been forced to retreat, 
abandoning Reams' Station after a total loss of 2400 
(out of 8000) men and 5 guns. Hill' s loss was also 
heavy but considerable smaller." 

A large portion of the 111th were among the cap- 
tured, together with their colors. 

On August 23d, 1864, they were taken to Rich- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 123 

mond and contined in the notorious Libby Prison ; 
their room was in the upper story of the prison 
building, and was 69 feet long by 25 feet wide, occu- 
pied by 3U0 men, who slept on the bare floor with no 
covering, their blankets, overcoats, and money hav- 
ing been taken away by the officers of the prison. 
Their fare was as follows : A piece of corn bread 
two inches square, one and one-half inch thick, twice 
daily, occasionally a small piece of poor beef, gene- 
rally partially spoiled, a little bean soup (less the 
beans) once per day, nothing else. They suffered 
extremely not only from the cold, but from hunger, 
and at the end of six weeks confinement, were mere 
skeletons, so that when ordered from the prison to 
Belle Island a mile distant, scarcely a man was able 
to reach the place with out falling down several 
times on the way, from weakness. On the Island 
their rations were the same as in prison. At the end 
of a week, being the seventh as prisoners, during 
which time the other prisoners had been removed to 
Andersonville, an order came for our boys to be 
ready to start for that place at 10 o'clock that night. 
Fortunately at 9 o'clock a boat load of rebels who 
had been sent by our government to be exchanged, 
arrived, and instead of going to Andersonville Prison, 
they were exchanged and taken to Aiken's Landing 
inside the union lines. 

The boys of the 111th regarded this as an almost 
miraculous escape from death by starvation, for of 
the men sent from Richmond to Andersonville, scarce 
ail}" ever returned alive. 



124 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

Most of the men of the 111th received furknighs 
for twenty days, and came home to regain their 
health and strength, after which tliey again joined 
their brigade and went into wint(:'r qnarters. 

For the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with 
the general formula and official routine through 
which furloughs were granted or ]-efused, a copy of 
a furlough granted to Levi White is annexed. 

To ALL WHOM IT MAY COjSTCERX : 

The bearer hereof, Levi White, Sergeant of Capt. 
Sidney Mead's company of the 111th Regiment of 
New York State Volunteer Infantry, aged 26 years, 
five feet eight inches high, dark hair, and by pro- 
fession a Cooper, born in the County of Cayuga, 
State of New York, he having received a furlough 
from the 2d day of May to the 22d day of May, 1865, 
at which period he will rejoin his Company or Regi- 
ment at camp at Buckville, Va., or wherever it then 
may be, or be considered a deserter. 

Subsistance has been furnished to said Levi White 
to the 2d day of May, and pay to the 29th day of 
February, 1864, both inclusive. 

Given under my hand at head-quarters 111th N. 
Y. y„ this 20th day of May, 1865. 

LEWIS W. HUSK, 
Lt. Col. 111th N. Y. v., Com'd the Reg't. 
Camp of 111th N. Y. V., 3d Brig., 1st Biv., 2d Army 

Corps., April 27th, 1865. 

Levi White, Sergeant Co. I, 111th Reg't N. Y. V., 
makes application for a furlough for 15 days, to go 
to Moravia, N. Y., for the purpose of attending to 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 125 

important peciiuiaiy matters concerning liiniself and 
famih'. 

Respectfully forwarded a}>proved. 

Sergeant White is perfectly reliable, good <diarac- 
tvr and prompt in the perfcn-mance of his duties. 

JOHN C. SMITH, 
2d Lieut, 111th N. Y. V., Com'd'g Co. I.. 

Head-Quarters 111th R(\g t N. Y. Y. 8d Brig. 

1st Div., 2d Arm,y Corps, April 17th, I860. 

Respectfully forwarded approved. 

Company. Present for duty — 14. 

'' Absent with leave — none. 

" Absent without leave — none. 

Regiment. Present for duty — 429. 
" Absent witli leave— 1. 

" Absent without leave— 7. 

Applications pending — none. 

The applicant has never been absent on furlough. 
LEWIS W. HUSK, 
Lt. Col. lllth N. Y. Y., Com^d'g Reg t. 

Head-Quarters 3d Brig., 1st Div., 2d A. C, 

April 27th. 1865. 

Respectfully forwarded approved for twenty days. 
Serg't White is a splendid soldier, has been wound- 
ed three times, and a j^risoner twice. He supposed 
he could only get 10 days. 

C. D. MacHOLIGALL, 
Col. lllth N. Y. Y.. and Brevet Brio-. Gen. ComM'g. 
16 



126 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

Head-Quarters 1st Div., 2d Army Corps^ 

April 28tli, 1865. 
Respectfull}' forwarded approved. 

NELSON A. MILES, 
Brevet Brig. Gen. Com'd'g, 
Head-Quarters 2d Army Corps, 

April 29tli, 1865. 
HespectfuUy forwarded approved for 20 days. 
FRANCIS C. BARLOW. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Com'd'g,. 
Head-Quarters of the Ami}'' of the Potomac, 

April 29th, 1865. 
Approved for twenty days. 

By command of 

MAJ. GEN. MEADE. 

F. S. Barsteis-, a. a. G. 
Official— T. S. DoDT, Capt. and A. A. G. 

Head-Quarters 3d Brig., 1st Div., 2d A. C. 

April 30th, 1865. 
Head-Quarters 111th Reg't N. Y. V., 3d Brig., 1st 
Div., 2d A. C, May 2d, 1865. 
Official — Wager II. REMiNGT0]sr, 

2d Lieut, and Acting Adj' t. 

Head-Quarters 111th N. Y. Y. 

May 28t]i, 1865. 
I certify that Serg't Levi White, Co. I, 111th N. 
Y. v., returned to duty at the expiration of his fur- 
lough, and has not been reported a deserter. 

LEW^IS W. HUSK, 
Lieut. Col. 111th N. Y. Y. 
0)1 Fel)iuai'\ 13tli. 1865. skirmishing commenced 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAY lA. 127 

along tlie liiit'S, and oui' picket line advanced toward 
Petersburg. 

On Marcli 29th, the brigade broke camp, crossed 
the rebel' s line, and followed in their rear to Boy- 
ington Plank Road, where a charge w^as made upon 
the pits, behind which the enemy w^ere stationed. 
The iirst man in the pit was Levi White, who cap- 
tured a rebel Hag, He was followed closely hy Thom- 
as Sandwich, George Perkins and others. 

Levi White, for gallantry displayed, was promoted 
to First Lieutenant. 

Humphrey Davenport, of this company, was 
wounded in battle at Boynton Plank Road, near 
Dinwiddle Court House, Va., on March 31st, 1865, 
by a minnie ball, which entered his right side cutting 
oif two ribs, and lodged in his left side, where it still 
lemains. He was as soon as practicable conveyed 
from the Held to the Division Hospital, and from 
there to Lincoln Hospital, Washington, wdiere he 
remained until honorably discharged, on May 25th, 
I860, when he returned home. He was also in the 
battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Har- 
bor, and Shady Grove. 

Another fight occurred at South Side Rail Road, 
wheie the brigade made two charges upon the enemy 
and were repulsed. The tliird charge was successful, 
and the Rail Road and some prisoners captured. 
This was on April 1st, 1865, aud tlic last engagement 
in which the regiment took part. They remained 
near there for nearly a month, and were orderi^l to 
Washington, and thence to Syracuse, and discharged 
June 6tli, 1865. 



12S HiSToracAL rsKi:TcnErs of sioiiatia. 

138TII REGIMET«rT. 

This was the next regiment organized, and tlie fol- 
h)wi]]g named persons enlisted from this town in 
Company E, with Salem Cornell as Captain, and Ar- 
thnr W. Mai'shall and (Teorge C. Stoyell as Lieu- 
tenants. 

Henry Austin, Julius Busli, Dorr Cutler, Wm. 
Evans, George Eritts, Charles Lee, F. L. Royee, 
Patrick Lavin, Simeon Stoddard, Richard B. AVright, 
Dorwin F. Wright, Frederick Allen, Lester Oakley, 
Thomas Ferguson. 

The regiment left xlubnrn in September, 1862, for 
Washington, near wliich place it remained for seve- 
ral months, protecting the city and engaged in l;)uild- 
ing military roads and forts. 

We have been unable to obtain information suffi- 
cient to give a liistory of this regiment, but believe 
that with one or two exceptions, the soldiers from 
this town died or were discharged during the first 
3^ear of service. 

IGOtji hegjjiext. 

This regiment was organized in September, 1862. 
and a }>ortion of Company F enlisted from tliis town, 
under Capt. Josiah P. Jewett and Lieut. Cideon F. 
Morey, with tiie following named me]i : 

Jolm 1). Clark, Jolm Stoyell, George Sliav(M-, John 
Sliavei-, Dwight Bay, Alex. Peterson, William E. 
White. The renmin.der of the com])any i'ulisted 
from adjoining towns. 

Soon after its forncatioit tlic regiment w:is ordered 
to New Orleans. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 120 

The coniuiniiding officer, Col. C. C. Dwiglit, [now 
<i Justice of the Supreme Court, for the Seventh Dis- 
trict), altliough theretofore a civilian, soon became 
one of tlu^ V)est and most efficient officers in the Union 
.Vrmy ; th(' officers and men under liis command, 
without exception, respected him not only as their 
supeiior officer, but as a man of kind heart, social, 
careful and discreet, possessed of that high moral 
principle and. courage, without which no man, though 
physicallv courageous, can Ix^come a capal)le or safe 
officer. 

The lirst engagement in which com])a]iy F partici- 
pated, was in March, 1863, at Bayou Teche, in Avhicli 
the rebel gunboat Cotton was destroyed by the rebels 
to prevent its being captui'ed b}' our trooj)s. 

On iMarch 28th thereafter, about thirtj'-two men 
belonging to Co. F. commanded byCapt. Jewett and 
Lieut. Kirb}', embarked at Brasheur City upon the 
Union gunboat Diana, whi(!h had also received a por- 
tion of the 12tb Eegiment of Connecticut, which, 
including officers and Co. F, amounted to a force of 
about 120 men, armed with miiinie rifl(^s, while the 
gunboat carried three lieav_y guns. 

The object of the expedition was to discove]- if 
possible tlie whereabouts of tlie Rebel gunboat Queen 
of tile West, which had been lurking in tlie vicinity, 
and supposed to be in Clrand Lake, which v\-as about 
twenty miles in h'Ugth and distant ten miles from 
Brasheur City. 

After a very careful search however, in that very 
('looked lake, no u'unboat was found, and if the com- 



130 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

raanding officer could have l)een satisfied in fuliilliiig 
his duty and obeying orders, and returned by tlie 
same route which he came, several lives v/ould have 
been saved, much suflfering avoided, and the govern- 
ment saved from the disgrace of having incompetent 
men as the guardians of the lives of valiant and 
worthy soldiers. Returning however, by a different 
and unknown route, the}^ unexpectedly encountered 
a large force of the enemy securely entrenched upon 
the banks of the river, and with several batteries of 
artilleiy which fulh^ commanded everything upon 
the river. Their force consisted of about seven thous- 
and men. The Diana was very soon disabled and 
completely riddled with cannon balls and shell. The 
gunboat was under tire two hours, yet but very few 
of those on board were killed — ten m all, and eigh- 
teen in Co. F wounded. 

In addition to the dangers to which the men were 
exposed from land, the enemy had placed torpedoes 
at short distances in the water, and expected every 
moment that the Diana would be destroyed from 
that source. 

The men of Co. F were upon the upper deck and 
consequently received the most injury, the remainder 
of the force being below. Capt. Jewett was struck 
upon the head with a piece of shell, a part of which 
also wounded Corporal John D. Clark who was near 
him. Capt. Jewett very soon became helpless. Mr. 
Clark had previously been wounded by a minnie 
ball which entered his mouth, extracted several teeth 
and lodged in the right side of his face, from which 
it was next day extracted. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 131 

It becoming appai'eiit that sure destruction awaited 
them, tlic gunboat being unmanagiable, an attempt 
was made to surrender ; ])ut the Lieutenant giving 
the signal was wounded while doing so, and the offi- 
cer who took his place also severely injured, the 
enemy' s firing continuing, notwithstanding the signal 
of surrender could be plainly seen. A third time a 
signal was laised, and the enemy ceased their bom- 
bardment, and boarded the Federal gunboat, or what 
remained of it, and carried their prisoners to the fort, 
where in a few days the privates were x>aroled, and 
returned to their camp, and the officers held as pris- 
oners of war. 

Shortly thereafter a force sent out by Gen. Banks 
under Gen. Weitzel, came upon the enemy at Franli- 
lin, and recaptured Capt. Jewett, Lieut. Kirby, and 
the otlier officers, driving tlie enemy northward. 

The folk) wing is a, copy of the parole of John D. 
(jlark : 

Head-Qt'aktehs Battery Fusalia, 
30 March, 1863. 
The bearer, John I). Clark, a Corporal of Co. F, 
160th Regt., is paroled on condition that until duly 
exchanged he will not bear arms against the Confed- 
erate States of America, nor in any way give aid and 
comfort to tlicMr enemies. 
By order 
^COL. HY. GRAY, Com" d Post. 
RoBEKT Bradley, Capt. 
Mr. Chirk was honoiablv discharged July 7, 1<S63. 



132 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

Josiali E. AVliitc was also wouiTded in tlii,: misera- 
ble exploit, while lying npon the se(^)nd deck, by a 
shell which entered the pilot house and burst, scat- 
tering splinters in every direction, some of which 
entered his left hand and still renuun there, while 
others entered his left shoulder and ear, causing 
very troublesome flesh wounds ; he was knocked 
over back of the stair railing, and finally escaped to 
the hold below the water mark, where he remained 
with several others, until tlu^ boat was l)oarded by 
the enemy, who expressed great suip)rise at finding 
so many alive after such a terrible and continuous 
bombardment. One officer casually remarking that 
they didn't inteiul to take any prisoners, and sui)- 
posed there were none alive. 

After being paroled, the prisoners were taken to 
near New Orleans, and finally to Ship Island. Mean- 
time the balance of the regiment had an engagement 
at Camp Buland while on their march to Port Hud- 
son. Afterward the part of Co. F paroled were also 
ordered to Port Hudson, but upon arriving there, 
were sent back to camp by Gen. Emory, as they had 
not been exchanged. The balance of the regiment 
took part in the battle of Port Hudson, but none of 
Co. F from this town were injured. They were next 
engaged at Sabine Cross Roads, where the Union 
troops were beaten and forced to retreat, fighting 
under great disadvantage, and largely superior num- 
bers, combined with unaccountable mismanagement 
on the part of officers in command. Our troops 
finally retreated to Grand Ecore, where they encamp- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOR.VVIA, 133 

<!_^d; the eiiymj b-hig unable to pursue, lie having 
received durmg the 7th, 8th, and 9tli of April severe 
punishment though obtaining a nominal victory.— 
The regiment had also engagements at Pleasant Hill 
on April 9th. 1864, and at Burnett's Bluff, April 23d, 
after Avliich they rec.Mved orders to report at Wash- 
ington, and were atta-hed to the 19th Corps, and 
were shortly afterward, on July 19th, 18G4, engaged 
in skirmishing with the enemy at Snickers' Ford, 
after which tlie regiment had occasional skirmishing 
l)ut no severe lighting until the battle of Fisher's 
Hill, on September 24th, 186-i, where the Union forces 
under Gen. Sheridan ol)tained a very decisive victory 
over Gen. Early, capturing sevei-al guns and many 
prisoners, and destr()yed a large quantity of army 
stores, wagons, &c. 

Soon after and on October 19th, 1804, was fouglit 
the battle of Cedar Creek, the circumstances of whi<'li 
have become familiar in almost every family circle, 
and which virtually used up and destroyed the forces 
of the enemy in the valley of the Shenandoali. 

The 19th was a very prominent corps, and bore the 
brunt of the battle, both in the disastrous retreat and 
the glorious and decisive victory which followed. 

Josiah E. White was again wounded at Cedar 
Creek, October 19th, 1864, early in the engagement, 
in his left ankle by a minnie ball ; he laid upon the 
held during the day and until 10 o'clock P. M., his 
clothing having been taken by the enemy who were 
in possession of the field during that day, but driven 
back that night and our wounded recovered and 
17 



134 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA- 

cared for. Mr. White was taken to Middletowis 
where his leg was amputated by Dr. Armstrong, of 
Auburn ; in two or three months he was sent tO' 
Washington, tlience to Philadelphia, and thence 
home on leave of absence ; while home he was trans- 
ferred to Eochester, N. Y., and discharged. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Tribute to the Dead — Juim Stoyell, Josiaii P. 
Jewett, Dokwix F. Weight, George C. Stoyell, 
Lyman H. Goodrich, Frederick Allen^, Proc- 
tor Mellejst, JoNATHAiSr Jeis^kins, Sanford Bur- 
LiiYGHAM, Thomas Horror, William Shimer, 
William S. Moss, Edgar E. Moss, David Gould, 
Ebexezer Platt, Thomas Davenport, John 
Slarrow, Simeon Stoddard, Joiix S. Cady, Je- 
ROME Palmer. 

tribute to the dead. 

"Men die but once, and the opportunity of a noble deatli is not an 
every day fortune. It is a gift which noble spirits pray for," 

The followers of Maliomet were instigated to deeds 
of valor in defense of their religion, and taught to 
welcome death by the promise that by their swords 
they should open the gates of heaven, and that an 
immortality of sensuous pleasure awaited them, 
adapted to their physical inclinations and desires.— 
And at the later day of the Crusaders, eternal salva- 
tion was promised to those who should help to fight 
the battles of the Lord. 

Wliile the .bible or the cliristian religion afford 
no grounds for sucIj anticipations, but require tlie 



136 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAYIA, 

giving of t]ie lieart to God as well as the body to liii< 
service^ there is naturally a disposition to hold in 
high esteem those who I'onght and died, nominally 
in quelling the rebellion, Init virtnaily f<»r the estab- 
lishment and preservation of civil and religious lib- 
(nty throughout the Union. 

A majority of the soldiers from this town who died 
in the army, were brought home for burial. In som<^ 
cases however, this was impossible, and the graves 
of a few an:" imknown. 

.The following brief biograi)hies are but a slight 
token of respect for the memories of those brave men 
who gave their lives to their country, and who will 
never cease to be greatfully remembered, no matter 
where they fell or where they were buried, so long- 
as patriotism is honored by their countrymen. 

.TOIIN STOYELL. 

The subject of this article was born in this town. 
Full of the eiiergy and ambition which his father 
(the i)ioneer of civilization in this vicinity) pos- 
sessed, he early became known as a thrifty, enter- 
prising faimer and citizen. Though not an aspirant 
for political preference, he held various offices of 
trust with great efficienc}' and credit to the town. 

In 1831, he became a temperance man, and drew 
up and signed a pledge of total abstinence from in- 
toxicating liquors, presented the same to his friends, 
and organized a tempei ance society, which for numy 
years labored faithfulh' and with considerable suc- 
cess in the cause. From that time to tlie day of hiw 
death. John Stoyell was the leaden- of the temper- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 13T 

ance party in soutliern Cayuga. He was always 
present at appointed temperance meetings, cheering 
liis fellow laborers witla his presence and aiding with 
his money, which was always free in everj' good 
work. 

He united with the First Congregational Church 
of Moravia, and was elected a deacon of the same in 
lcS84, whicli office he held during life. He was a 
pillai- in tlie church. Firm as a rock in his religious 
belief, strict in the ])erformance of duty, not fanati- 
cal or unreasonable, but consistent, holding the popu- 
lar theories and practices of the day, and in fact all 
things else sid)servient to the one great first princi- 
ple of his life, — the glory of God. 

During his membership, the duties of the officers 
of the church was very perplexing and the burdens 
heav}' to be boi-ne, l)ut when others shrank from the 
duties and responsiljilities which tlie emergency de- 
manded. Deacon John Stoyell was always found 
equal to the occasion. The Church knew his integ- 
rity of character and honesty of purjjose, and had 
perfect confidence in his good judgment. 

Deacon Stoyell was a zealous Anti-Slavery man. 
An Abolitionist when the very name wasa i-eproacli. 
Anti-Slavery societies were ridiculed and derided, 
and their lecturers insulted and mobbed in tlie 
streets. John Stoyell, beliin^ing slavery to be a 
wrong — a curse to the nation, and an abomination 
in the sight of God, labored earnestly to bring his' 
neighbors and friends to the same conclusion, and 
so far as possible gave aid and comfort to tliose who 



138 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

came within liis roacli, in their endeavors to escape 
from bondage to a conntry which offered them the 
protection, security and liberty wliich the land of 
their birth denied them. He set his face as a Hint 
against nnjust legislative enactments and judicial 
dictum s which set at defiance the Higher Law, out- 
raged the conscience and consigned four millions of 
unfortunate people to inconceivable misery, degra- 
dation and despair. When the laws of God and the 
laws of men conflicted, there was no hesitation as to 
whom he w^ould serve. He obeyed God rather than 
man. He fed, clothed and sheltered the fugitive, 
and often with his own conveyance, forwarded him 
on his way to the North at the risk of being himself 
arrested, and of receiving the fines and imprison- 
ments which the laws in the interests of slavery de- 
manded. 

He enlisted as a private in Company F, IGOth Regi- 
ment, and accompanied it to the field in Louisiana, 
and died at IS'ew Orleans, July 5, 1863, aged 61 
years, giving his life to the cause which he had so 
early espoused and so earnestly labored for, — the 
Abolition of American Slavery. "Faithful unto 
death." 

In political and social business life, he was actua- 
ted by religious principle, was kind and benevolent, 
lionest and upright in all his dealings. 

" His life was gentle ; and the elements 

So mixed in him, that nature might stand up 

And say to all the world, this was a man.'''' 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 139 

CAPT. JOSTAII P. JF:WETT. 

AVlien tlie 160tli Regiment was being organized, 
Mr Jewett volunteered, assisted in enlisting a Com- 
pany, and was iinally elected Captain of Co. F. He 
had lived several years in tlie family of the late Dea- 
con Josiah Jewett, his grandfather, and was well and 
favorably known in the coninumity as an upright 
and intelligent young man. Previous to his enlist- 
ment he became a member of the well known hrm ol 
-(I Jewett & Nephew,' ' in Moravia Village, and was 
eno-ao-ed in an extensive and profitable mercantile 
timle! which he left for the laborious and dangerous 
life of a soldier. This regiment as soon as organized 
was ordered to New Orleans. Co. F, on Marcli 28th, 
1863, was stationed at Brasheur City, whence about 
one-half of the company commanded by Capt. Jew- 
ett were ordered to proceed (with other selected 
soldiers) up the Bayou, upon the gunboat Diana, to 
Grand L^ke, for the purpose of discovering the 
whereabouts of the Rebel gunboat Cotton. Lpon 
their return (disobeying orders) by another route, 
the Diana was obliged to pass a position occupied by 
the rebels, to the number of TOGO or thereabouts.- 
For two hours the Diana was at the mercy of the 
rebel batteries which were in easy range, and the 
men on board exposed to a terrible and incessant 
bombardment. Capt. Jewett being upon the upper 
deck was wounded upon the top of the head by a 
piece of shell, which exploded near him. He was 
afterward taken prisoner by the enemy, but shortly 
recaptured by the federal forces and sent home. 



1-iO Historical sketched ot' mohavia, 

where strong liopes of liis recovery were enti^rtai'iiecl 
only to be CTushed by the certainty of the rapid ap- 
proach of death, whose footsteps cannot be stayed 
by a nation' s necessities, or his purposes thwarted 
by the tears of friends. He died in liis old lionie at 
"Tlie Cottage," peacefully, another martyr in tlie- 
cause of iiis countiy, and was l)uried in an lionoi-ed 
grave, wliile his memory will be held in liigh respect 
as the years glide by bringing to the nation the fruits 
of the labors and the lives of those so nobly and so 
willingly sacrificed, "Peace and Good Will to mpn.'' 

DOEWIN F, WRIGHT. 

Born and reared in this town, at the age of twenty- 
five years he enlisted under Capt, Salem Cornell in 
Co. E, 138th Regiment Infantiy. Naturally of a 
kind disposition, genial and obliging, he had won 
the esteem of all who knew him. WeW educated 
and a close observer of the political horizon, he un- 
derstood and appreciated the importance of the 
struggle in which he was engaged, and the issues 
involved therein. That rebellion meant the dismem- 
berment of the Union and the destruction of the prin- 
ciples of Government by the People, and that only 
in the complete success of the armies of the govern- 
ment could peace and prosperity be restpred. Soon 
after its formation, the regiment was ordered to 
Washington, D. C, and stationed at Camp Morris, 
about five miles from the Capitol, where the men 
were engaged for several months in building military 
roads ; the great design of the Government at that 
time being to protect Washington. Mr. Wright was a 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 141 

ftiitlif 111 soldior. and altlioiiirli tlie i>;enei'nl <>xpcricMice 
of army life m camp was, on account of its immoral 
tendencies, distasteful to him, Ik^ never i-egretted the 
step h(^ htid taken, l^eing huoyed up b_y the assurance 
that through tiie strife and turmoil of war, a lasting 
peace would be secured to tliose who should survive. 
He was a member of the Congregational Church of 
Moravia, and a teacher in the Sabbatli School when 
he enlisted. He endeavored to avoid evil wherever 
met, helped to oi*ganize a prayer meeting and bible 
■class in his company, in wdiich he took an active 
part while he lived. He lioped to live to see peace 
restored, and to return home J:o enjoy the fruits of 
the laboi-s which i)ati-iotism and fidelity to home and 
rountr}^ always merit, and to engage in more desira- 
ble pursuits, but such hopes were never to be realized. 
He died in camp of typhoid fever, on January 11th, 
1863, highly respected by his associates. His fune- 
ral services were held in the chui-ch of which he was 
a member, and his remains deposited in the ''Old 
( Jemeterv," whither they were followed by a large 
concourse of sympathizing friends. 

GEOIIGE C. STOYP^LL. 

Lieutenant Stoyell was the eldest son of Loyal 
and Emily Stoyell, who are among the oldest and 
most esteemed citizens of this town. They were ex-, 
ceedingly iiidulg(Mit to their children, and spared no 
pains to gratify their wishes when this could be done 
consistently with their best interests and permanent 
good. C-reorge was reared amid affluence and fine so- 
<'inl position, and liad exct^llent opportunities for 
18 



14^ niSTO^KICAL SKPrrCIIJJS OF MQKATIA^ 

aeqiiii'iiig an educatioii. He wat* kind of Tieari'., 
active,, generous to a fault, and generally l>eloved by 
his associates. 

On tlie 12tli day of August, 1862, lie enlisted iia 
Company E<, 13Sth Regiment Infantry., and upon the 
election of officers, received the office of Second Lieu- 
tenant. The regiment was stationed near George- 
town, D. C, where it remained for several nionths 
at work upon forts and other defenses. He was a 
capable officer, and liberal witli his men. He was 
destined however, to share the fate of thousands of 
his fellow soldiers, and died at Georgetown, ]). C. 
January 21st, 1863, aged twenty-three years. It 
will be remembered by those interested, tliat he was 
sick at the time of the funeral of Dorwin F. Wright, 
of the same company, where the welcome announce- 
ment was made from the pulpit that "Lieut. Stoyell 
was much better.'' But the a])parent ifn])rovem(Mit 
was but temj)orary, and the next Sabbath but one. 
at the same church, almost the same assemblage of 
sympathizing friends w^ere gathered at his funeral 
services. Upon that occasion, a sermon was preached 
by Rev. Henry Fowlei-, of Auburn, 'N. Y., from the 
text, — ''Blessed are they that mourn.'' It was full 
of tenderness and sympathy, and love for the sol- 
dier, and overflowing with patriotic devotion to the 
principles for wliich tliey gave their lives. 

Mr. Stoyell was a member of the Congregational 
Church of Moravia, and its Sabbath School, and 
died trusting in God, and relying upon his unfailing 
promises. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OP MOKATIA, i4;l 

LYMAN" GOODIIICIL 

The subject of this sketch was Iwrn in Semin-o- 
STtius, but t^nlisted from this town in the 75 th Reo:i- 
?nent. He was the only son of Lyman and Roama 
Goodrich, had always lived upon the farm, and was 
m every sense a home boy, and disinclined theretofore 
to mingle in society beyond his own family and a 
few personal friends. 

The announcement of his int«nition t*> enlist was 
therefore leecived Avith considerable surprise, and 
some expv)stulation on the pai't of friends. But he 
had quietly, yet determinedly come to this conclu- 
sion, and enrolled Ins name in the regiment above 
named, which, was stationed at Fort Pickens, where 
he performed the duties assigned him promptly and 
I'heerfully. 

His diameter was above ivproach. The home of 
his cliildhood from which he had theretofore scarcely 
been absent for a day, was left most dest)late by his 
departure ; but a desolation more de(>p ajid never to 
be dispelled overshadowed tlic future. After faithful- 
ly serving bis country, he died at Fort Pickens, on 
Marcli 20th, 1868, and was buried by his comrades 
in a soldiers grave, thousands of nuhvs fi-om tlie 
scenes of his childhood and youth. 

FHEDKKieK A LLEX. 

The above named enlisted in the 188th Regiment, 
<m the nth day of August, 1862. Doubtless some 
nu^n enlisted during the latter -part of the war to ob- 
tain the large bounties which were then offered to 
volunteers, and who cared very little for the success 



144 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF Mi/l\'ATI.t, 

of the Union armies. A few, in fact, ()i)cii]\ ra\ ored 
tlie rebellion, and declared tliat their only object in 
enlisting was the bounty. But at the date above 
mentioned, cmly a small government bounty was 
given, and volunteers were actuattnl hy jjatriotic mo- 
tives, duty to their country, and love of its institu- 
tions. Mr. Allen belonged to this class of soldiers. 
He sacriliced the comforts of liome, family, and all 
else dear to him for this one loyal princi}>le — the 
support of the government. 

He was a member of the Methodist Church, and 
during his army life was a consistent christian sol- 
dier. He died in Camp, on May 1st, 1863, and was 
buried in the Old Cemetery south of Moravia vil- 
lage. 

ri;0CTEIi 31ELLEN. 

Enlisted in August, 1804, in Company M, 9th Kegi- 
ment U, S. Heavy Artillery. He was the son of Jer- 
emiah and Fann}^ Mellen, who have resided for many 
years in Montville, in this tow^n. 

This regiment did noble service throughout the 
time of their, organization, and participated in sev- 
eral heav} battles and skirmishes, in all of wdiicli 
the men proved thems(4ves to be soldiers, inferior to 
none in the ai'my. 

Mr. Mellen was in two severe battles — at Cedar 
Creek and Petersl>urg ; in the foriner of which, he 
received a wound in the hand. He was a valiant 
soldier, a linn friend, and an agreeable comrade. — 
He died at Hampton, Va., June 22, 1865, his remains 
were brouglit hoijie and interred in Indian Mound 
Cemetery. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF -MORAVIA, 145 

-TOXATIIAX .JENKINS. 

Mr. Jenkins enlisted in Company I, llJth Regi- 
ment, and saw considerable service, that regiment 
IxMng from tlie first engaged in active operation 
against tlie enemy in Western Virginia. Though a 
liard working man of vigoi'ous constitution, by the 
<'hange of climate and army labor, lie became broken 
in health, and linally died on the 18th day of Feb 
ruary, 1868. 

SANFORD BUKLINGIIAM. 

' He was also a member of Company I, 111th Eegi- 
ment, and a son of Samuel Burlingham, and had 
always resided on the farm near the "Free Church." 
He was a young man respected by his neighbors, 
honest in business transactions, and a good citizen. 
The exact time or manner of his death could nevei- 
be ascertained, although diligent search and inquiry- 
were made by his comrades and friends. He was 
witii his regiment during the battle of the Wilder- 
ness and was severely wounded and left upon the 
held, there being no time to attend to the wounded. 
The battle field ux^on which there was considerable 
timber, was very soon thereafter on fire and the 
fiames sweeping with great fury over the ground 
where lay the dead and waunded soldiers of the 
Union army, among wliom wounded and perhaps 
already dying, doubtless was the subject of this 
sketch. 

EBENEZEli PLATT. 

He was an industrious, hardworking man, enlisted 
in Co. K, 1 11th Regiment. He pi^'formed the duties 



146 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAVIA, 

of a soldier well while lie lived, and was killed at 
Bristow Station on Oct, 14th, 1868. 

THOMAS HAKEOP. 

The above named was the son of Thomas and 
Elizabeth Harrop, and althongh scarcely fourteen 
years of age, enlisted in Co, I, llltli Regiment, o]i 
March 10th, 1864. He was too young to endure the 
severe marches and labors, and the privations which 
necessarily followed, and under w-hich even strong 
men failed. But Ice did what he could. He was in 
the battle of the Wilderness, and was wounded on 
June 17th, 1864. He died of typhoid fever, at Lin- 
coln Hospital, Washington, and was buried at Arl- 
ington Heights. 

WILLIAM SlIIMER. 

Another of the members of this regiment was the 
above named of Co. K, the eldest son of Daniel and 
Rachael Shinier, He was in several skirmishes in 
which the regiment was engaged, and was finally 
killed in a battle at Bristow Station, Va., while act- 
ing as sergeant, Oct. 14tli, 1863. He was nineteen 
years of age, and had been in the army since July, 
1862, and had the name of being a courageous and 
reliable soldier. 

EDWAKD STANHOPE MOSS. 

He was by birth an Englishman, the son of Thomas 
and Eliza Moss of this town, and enlisted Aug. 8th, 
1862, in Co. C, 7th Regiment Heavy Artillery, was 
elected Corporal on Sept. 1st, 1862, on Feb. 11th, 
1864, he received his commission as 2d Lieutenant, 
was taken prisoner before Petersburg, Ya., June 6th, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 147 

ivnd conveyed to Cliarleston, S. C, where lie died 
Oct. 4th, 18(M, of yellow fever. 

AVilliaii) S. Moss Avas a brother of the above named. 
He enlisted in Co, M, and was transferred to Co. C, 
7tli Regiment, was captured by the rebels befor(^ 
Petersburg, June 6tli, 1864, taken to Andersonville 
Prison, where he died of starvation in Sept. 1864. 
They were both very social, companionalde men, and 
highly este(nued in their regiment, and l)}^ all who 
k]iew them as citizens. They were faithful and true 
men to the land of their adoption. 

JOHN SLAKIIOW. 

Enlisted in Co. I, 111th Regiment. He was the 
son of Lorenzo Slarrow, also a meml)(M' of the same 
eonipany, and poss(^ssed of a good dt^gree of courage 
iind the otlK^r elements which go to make a capable 
soldier. He was in the battle of Boliver Heights, 
Harpers Ferry, Ya., and was shot in the head and 
instantly killed on Sept. 14th, 1862. 

DAVID GOULD. 

Mr. Gould had lived in this town until he had es- 
tablished a good name. A farmer by occupation, he 
was industrious and frugal, a friend at all times to 
be dej^ended upon ; lie had no enemies. He enlisted 
in Co. A, 111th Regiment, in 1861. He proved a 
very gallant and reliable soldier, was in several bat- 
tles, and was finally, as liereinbefore mentioned, 
wounded in the attack upon Port Bisland, from the 
effects of which he died at Brash en r City, about May 
22d, 1863. 



14» HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

SIMEON STODDARD, 

He was n member of Co. E, of the 188th Regiment- 
He resided for several years upon a farm in the north 
part of this town. We have been nnable to gatlier 
much of his liistory, except that he died of disease 
at City Point, Va., about July 1st, 1864. 

JOHN S, CADY. 

Capt. Cady was the son of Artemas and Lois Cady, 
wlio resided for many years in this vilhige, where he 
was born on May 29th, 1836. His mother, a most 
estimable lady, died June 5th, 1850, when he was 
fourteen years of age, and his father, to whom refer- 
ence is hereinafter made, a few years later. He had 
been carefully reared, and although at such an early 
age sustaining this irreparable loss, his excellent 
moral culture prepared him to meet the trials of life 
with a large degree of composure and firmness, and 
enabled him to establish a character for integrity and 
feliability, which made him a most useful and influ- 
ential citizen and fearless soldier. After the death 
of his parents, he resided with his brother, A. S. 
Cady, Esq., in New York City, and attended Colum- 
bia College Gframmar School, preparatory to entering 
college. By reason of poor health, with much reluc- 
tance he gave up his studies, and entered the Comp- 
troller's office of that city under appointment of Hon. 
A. C. Flagg, where he remained until 1857, when his 
health again failed, and he removed to Anoka, Minn., 
where he engaged in business until 1862. '■^ 77te 
Home Missionary^'' of February, 1864, contains the 
following very interesting sketch of his western life, 



' HISTORICAL SKETCHES OP MORAVIA. 149 

written by th(^ pastor of tlie cliurcli in Anoka, of 
which he Avas a member, entitled "A Model Captain." 
"The most important event in t\u' histoiy of this 
■church for the three months closing the first of Au- 
gust, was the death of one of its most active and use- 
ful members, John S. Cady came from New York 
here in 1857, at the age of twenty-one years. Before 
<'oming here he indulged the hope that he was a 
<'hristian, and soon after made a public profession of 
religion ; being tlie first person wIk^ joined this church 
l\y professi(^n. and the only 3'oung person here at 
that time a professor of religion. From the first till 
his death his hand has been in every good work here. 
By his honest}^ and faithfulness, his helpfulness and 
pi-actical benevolenence, his manifest conscientious- 
ness and exemplary piet}^, he won the respect and 
regard of every one who knew him. He was Super- 
intendent of our Sabbath School, and held other 
important relations to our church and society. He 
had sustained two mission schools besides. A year 
ago he enlisted and was the principal agent in raising 
a comi^any here ; he was chosen Captain by accla- 
mation ; his company was detained in the state for 
service against the Indians. The last winter was one 
of Jeisure to his men, and he was most industrious 
in labor for their good. On the Sabbath he had a 
morning service for them in which he read a sermon ; 
in the afternoon a bible class, and in the evening a 
prayer meeting ; on Wednesday evenings he had a 
prayer meeting, and during the week he had classes 
in various studies. His good influence upon his men 
19 



150 HISTORICAL SKETCKES OF MORAVIA, 

was very obvious. He was often called 'The mode] 
Captain.' His men loved liim of course ; one of them 
said he believed 'more than half the men in Com- 
pan}^ A would be willing to step in and takc^ a ball 
designed for his captain.' He spent a couple of 
Sabbaths with us in June, having business connected 
with his command to occupy the week. OnMonda}' 
morning he left with a squad of his men, to return 
to his post on the frontier. On his way he learned 
that some horses had been stolen by the Indians, 
and started in pursuit. On Thursday morning he 
overtook tliem, and in the encounter, in Avhich h(^ 
seemed too little regardful of his own life, he was 
shot through tlie heart. Two of his bravest and best 
men rescued his body from savage mutilation. The 
sad tidings of his death reached us the next after- 
noon, and his body an hour or two later. The flag 
at half mast and the tolling bell spread the mourn- 
ful inteligence. I never saw such universal grief in 
a community ; every one had lost a personal friend. 
Our church assembled for its monthly meeting, and 
was like a family that had received tidings of the 
death of a son and a brother. The children at school 
wept as for a father. At a crowded meeting of the 
citizens the next week, the most touching tributes 
of respect and affection were paid to his memory. 
On the following Sabbath the funeral services took 
place, and though there was no relative present but 
his brother (the only person surviving him near of 
kin), there was a great concourse of mourners. The 
preacher sought to portray the amiable excellence 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 151 

•and nobleness of Captain Gady's lif(N to win their 
imitation and to awaken a wortliy ambition for a life 
of nsefulness and true honor. There was no mili- 
tary display in connection with the service, bnt the 
two soldiers wlio rescued and brought home his body 
bore a furled and craped banner in the procession 
from the church to the place where for convenience 
the body was placed, under the canopy of a large 
Hag, where bi-ight stars were partially obscured by 
the folds of black. Under this the procession passed 
to bid farewell to the face where kind greeting in 
life had been so welcome to all. I have seen some 
splendid mourning pageants, but never more univer- 
sal aud sincere grief, on such an occasion. The 
mourning Avas not alone for the patriot soldier, the 
excellent^ officer, not alone *for the young chieftain 
fallen in the heroic discharge of duty, but for the 
good man whose hand and purse, aud influence were 
never invoked for a good object without success, and 
whose manly heart, always indignant at wrong, had 
a tender and helpful sympathy for suffering. The 
church, the Sabbath School, the Library Association, 
the community, had experienced what seemed an 
irreparable loss. Hundreds mourned for him as if 
he had been near kindred by blood. 

When the sorrowful procession had passed around, 
it was drawn close about the pastor, who oifered 
prayer and pronounced a benediction, and the con- 
o-regation left the mortal remains of one so loved and 
honored to be in a few days taken east by his broth- 
er On the evening of July 3d, at sunset, they were 



152 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MOKATIA. 

laid to rest beside those of his mother and father, in 
the burial place of his native town, Moravia, N. Y. 
It is rare that a church can lose so much in one man 
as ours lost in liim." 

JEKOME PAL31EK. 

Jerome Palmer was the son of Mrs. Mary A. Palm- 
er of this town, where he was born. The following 
is an extract from the Dundee Record published at 
Dundee, N. Y.: 

"When we first made his acquaintance, he was 
attending school at Lima, N. Y., where he pursued 
the classics with success. He had before been a stu- 
dent at Starkey Seminary, where he was a general 
favorite, from his frank, affable manners, and manly 
independence. At Lima he was beloved by his asso- 
ciates, and respected bj^all who knew^ him. In the 
fall of 1863 he w^as drafted, but was too young to be 
obliged to go ; but his love for his country would 
not permit him to remain fi'om the army, and in the 
winter he enlisted in the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, 
and we remember how hopefully he spoke of the 
future as we accompanied him to Canandaigua, there 
to Join liis I'egiment and go immediately south. We 
never saw him again. He was assigned to the 2d 
Corps, Hancock' s Division, and was killed on Moii- 
day, June Gth, 1864. The story of his death is thus 
related 'by a boy in blue.' It was a hot day in the 
trenches, and the landscape glimmered with the 
heat away toward Richmond while the thunder of 
cannon lazily tolled off the hours. The crack of a 
rifle w(^uld be heai'd at intervals, and }'et the rifle pits 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAYIA. 153 

were nearly quiet, for no general move was ordered, 
iind notliing was to be done by either line but to 
grimly watch each other with keen sharpshooters' 
e^^es. Dead bodies lay around, and the putrid smell 
of these decaying in the sun, almost over powered 
the senses of the little handful of brave boys that 
held one of the pits of that long line, that seemed 
the engirding of death slowly closing its folds about 
the doomed city. Five dnys they had cowered in 
the yellow sand and gazed at each other, and smelled 
that fearful stench, and tried to catch words of cheer 
in the distant roar of the cannon ; but eacli throb of 
the heart only seemed to say 'wait.' At last one of 
them, a mere youth of nineteen, blue-eyed, open- 
faced and beardless, with light sunny hair hidden 
under his blue cap, said, as his voice faltered, and a 
vision of home and friends far away came up to his 
heart amid the wreck of the intrenchments, ' Boys, 
I can't stand this any longer, I must go from this 
place or I shall die.' 'No, no, Rome don't go out 
of this pit, the sharpshooters will kill you,' rex)lied 
his friend, ' But I shall die here, and if I get awa,}" 
where there is fresh air, I can do good service ; I 
must go, I might as well be killed by a bullet as to 
suifocate.' It may be that the heat and the oppress- 
ive deathly atmosphere had half turned the brain of 
the bright-eyed boy, for he staggered out of the jjit, 
and started across an open space toward the woods. 
Keen, merciless ej^es were on him, and hard steel 



154 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

gleamed from the rebel thickets, when crack rnng: 
the riiles of the sharpshooters, and — he was dead. 

' Bury him where the sunlight shines, 
In showers of gold the branches through, 
And gilds the grave by the sighing pines, 
Where sleeps the form of the boy in blue. 

Far away in a northern land. 
Hearts are sad that for him beat true, 
Praying to Him whose guiding hand 
Ever sheltered the boy in blue. 

Mourn we not with a hopeless sigh, 
Tears may darken our eyes 'tis true, 
But the brave and loving can never die. 
And such was the soul of the boy in blue.'" 



CHAPTER XVII. 

First ]SI ation^al Bats^k — History of its Organiza- 
tion — Officers — ^ Capital Stock — Rules and 
By-Laws. 

This bank Avas organized under the National Bank- 
ing Law, Ma}^ 2oth, 1863, with a capital stock of 
Fifty Thousand Dollars, which was increased to 
Eighty Thousand Dollars. For the purpose of giv- 
ing a full history of its organization and the reasons 
therefor, and the efficient though invisible machinery 
by which it is controlled, we copy from its records 
in full upon these points, deeming it a matter of con- 
siderable importance in the j)i'*?sent and future in- 
terests of the town. 

' ' The establishment of a bank in Moravia Villiage 
having been a subject of frequent consideration and 
discussion by the citizens interested in the welfare 
and growing interests of the town, and it having oc- 
curred that the Congress of the United States had 
i:)assed and the President on the 25th day of Febru- 
ary, 1863, aj)proved an Act entitled 'An Act to pro- 
vide a National Currency secured by pledges of 
United States Stock, and to provide for the circula- 
tion and redemption thereof.' That this law had 
been made by the government in view of the vast 



156 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAY [A. 

amount of money made necessary for its iise in suc- 
cessfully defending the government against the war 
of rebellion waged it against by southern rebellious 
states and men, and in establishing the federal au- 
thority over all its territory, and also in furtherance 
of the wise policy of the government of conducting 
the war, and supporting the government upon its 
own resources, giving to its own loyal people the 
opportunity to furnish the requisite supplies, and to 
receive the revenue arising therefrom in preference 
to foreign loans and purchases, thus rendering the 
government a self supporting institution ; and in all 
loyal portions of the country an unprecedented thrift 
in business and abundance of money as the wages of 
their loyalty and patrotism. 

A consultation was held by Wm. Keeler, Austin 
B. Hale, and B. F. Everson, which embraced in its 
discussions the facts that there was much money in 
the country out of employment and seeliing invest- 
ment ; that at the present time the government would 
be benefitted by its use, that^ in the future, when war 
should end and business increase, the capital would 
be desirable for business purposes, and would es- 
pecially be desirable to have availal^le should a 
financial crisis occur, that in taking the provisions 
offered and establishing a bank under the national 
law, it might serve a mutual benefit, contributing 
material aid to the government, national aid and 
convenience to the community, and add an impetus 
to the growth and business importance of the town, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORATIA, 157 

iind at the same time yield a fair compensation for 
tlie money invested. 

The consultation resulted in the issuing of the 
following call : — 

'We, the undersigned, feeling that the establish- 
ment of a Bank at Moravia, K Y., with a capital 
«;tock of not less than Fifty Tliousand Dollars, 
would direct capital into channels profitable to 
shareholders, serviceable to their friends and stimu- 
lating to public industry, hereby express our willing- 
ness to invest capital in such a bank, and request 
those interested to meet at Pressey' s Hotel, on Sat- 
urday, April 11th, at 3 P. M., for the purpose of 
takino; the matter into consultation. 

Dated, Moravia, April 6, 1863, and signed by 
Hector C. Tuthill, James Thornton, Eufus W. 
Close, P. D. Livingston, Ludus Fitts, Thompson 
Keeler, S. D. Tabor, Wm. Keeler, Lyman Card, A. 

B. Hale, Lauren Townsend, Charles Chandler, B. F. 
Everson, E. E. Brown, W. W. Alley, Jr., W. C. 
Cramer, B. C. Goodridge, Joseph Dresser, Nathan 
Robinson, B. D. King, F. R. Robinson, S. B. Young, 
M. L. Wood, David Wade, Jr., Whitman Brock- 
way, H. H. Alley, E. Hopkins, J. S. Paul, H. H. 
Tuthill, J. C. Odell, Reuben Rounds, and C. E. 
Parker.' 

Pursuant to the foregoing call, a meeting was 
held and organized by the appointment of Hon. H. 

C. Tuthill, Chairman, and A. B. Hale, Clerk; 
whereupon, after discussion, it was thought advisa- 
ble to' organize a bank under the National Banking 

20 



158 ' HI&TORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAyr.4, 

Law ; and a coiiiiriittee appointed to obtain subacrip- 
tions to the capital stock. 

At a meeting held April 25thj all of the capital 
stock being subscribed, B. J. Everson, A. B. Hale, 
and Franklin Goodrich, were appointed a committee 
to prepare and report Articles of Association and 
By-Laws. 

On May 25thy 1863, a further meeting was held, 
and the Articles of Association presented by the com- 
mittee, revised and amended were adopted, being as 
follows : — 

'The subscribers hereby associate themselves to- 
gether for the business of Banking in pursuance of 
an act of Congress entitled, ' An Act to x^i'ovide a 
National Currency secured by pledge of United 
States stocks, and to provide for the circulation and 
redemption thereof,' approved Febniary 25, 1863, 
and the acts additional and amendatory thereof, and 
for themselves, tlieir personal representatives and 
assigns, they enter into and agree to abide b^^ the 
following covenants and engagements.' 

ARTICLE I. 

Sectioiv 1. The name assumed to distinguish 
the Association, and to be used in its dealings, shall 
be 'The First National Bank of Moravia, N. Y.' 
and its place of business shall be the Village of Mo- 
ravia, in the County of Cayuga, and State of New 
York. 

Sect. 2, The amount of its capital stock shall be 
Fifty Thousand Dollars, divided into five hundred 
shares each, which capital stock may be increased 



BlSTOlilCAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 159 

with t^w writteji consent of sharvliolders liolding 
two-tliirds of tlie capital stoclv, and called in as tliey 
may determine, to tlie amount of One Hundred 
Thousand Dollars; but it shall not exceed that 
umount. 

Sect. :?. Whenever any increase of the capital 
stock of the Association, and of the numl)er of its 
shares shall ])e determined upon as provided for in 
the last pi-eceding section, such increase of shares 
shall, as nearl}' as may be, be distributed to, and be 
subject to be taken by the then shareholders pro- 
rata in proportion to the number of shares then held 
l)y each, so far as they may desire the same, and in 
case all shall not desire to increase their number of 
shares, their pro-rata among such as shall in propor- 
tion to their number of shares by them held, so far 
as they may desire the same, and those then holding 
shares shall be entitled to take the whole of such in- 
<'rease of shares in preferen.ce to persons not then 
shareholdtns. 

Sect. 4. Tlie Association shall be authorized to 
commence banking business wlien its capital stock 
shall be subscribed for, and at least thirty per 
centum of each share of its capital stock has been 
paid in, and such other requisitions of the act afore- 
said authorizing such banking associations shall have 
(•omplied with, as that it shall be so entitled to com- 
mence its said business, and its said business shall 
terminate on the 2oth day of February, 1883. 

ARTICLE II. 

Section 1. Tlie object of the Association is the 



160 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAYI.i, 

business of bankings discounting bills^ notcSy and. 
other evidences of debts, receiving deposits, buying: 
and selling gold and silver, bullions, foreign coin, 
foreign and domestic excliange, loaning money on 
personal and otlier securities, issuing and circulating 
bills or notes, and the exercising of any powers 
necessary to conduct its business, not inconsistent 
with the said act of Congress. 

Sect. 2. The Association may purchase^ lioldand 
convey only, 

1st, Such real estate as shall be necessary for its 
immediate transaction of the business, 

2d, Such as shall be mortgaged to it in good faith 
by way of securities for loans made b}' such Associa- 
tion, and for monies due thei-eto. 

3d, Such as shall be convej^ed to it in satisfaction 
of debts previously contracted in the course of its 
dealings. 

4th, Such as it shall purchase at sales under Judg- 
ments, decrees, or mortgages held by such Associa- 
tion. 

ARTICLE III. 

Sectiok 1. The government of this Association 
and the management of its affairs are hereby vested 
in a Board of Directors which shall consist of nine 
persons, each of whom shall own at least five shares 
of its capital stock. 

Sect. 2. The Directors shall elect one of their 
number to be President of the Association, and he 
shall be vested with all the powers and authority 
which these Articles and the Act of Congress afore- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 161 

said, confer upon that officer until a successor sliall 
be elected. 

Sect. 3. The first election of Directors of the As- 
sociation shall be held at the house of Wm. C. Pres- 
se}^, in Moravia, on the first Monday of January, 
1864, and the same day in January in each year there- 
after, at such hour and place in the village of Mora- 
via as the Board of Directors shall appoint ; notice 
thereof sliall be pul^lisluxl in one or more public 
newspapers printed in the County of Cayuga, for at 
least thirty days immediately preceeding the time of 
such election. The said election shall be nuide b}- 
the shareholders either in person or by proxy, and 
shall be conduc^ted by three Inspectors, to be elected 
by them at such annual election ; but neither of such 
Inspectors shall be a Director or officer of the Asso- 
ciation. The nine persons wlio shall have the great- 
est number of votes shall be Directors, and they shall 
enter upon the duties of their office 0]i the day of 
their election ; and if an equal number of votes shall 
be cast for any two or more persons, the sharehold- 
ers shall proceed to a new ballot to fill any deliciency 
in filling the Board of Directors on account of tie 
votes, and so on until filled. 

Within a week of such election, they shall pro- 
ceed to organize and elect by ballot one of their num- 
ber President of the Association. 

If any Director shall cease to hold five shares of 
the capital stock, his office shall become vacant ; and 
whenever any vacancy occurs it may be filled for the 



163 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

unexpired part of the term by sucli eligible person 
as the Directors may by ballot c^ect. 

The failure of the Association to elect Directors at 
the times hereinbefore specified, shall not dissolve 
the Association, but in such case it shall be the duty 
of the Board to take immediate measures for an elec- 
tion as required by Sec. 40 of the said Act of Con- 
gress. 

Sect. 4. Each shareholder shall be entitled to one 
vote on each share of his or her stock, which he or 
she shall have held in his or her own name for at 
least thirty days prior to the time of voting ; but in 
organizing they shall be entitled to such vote regard- 
less of the thirty days time of holding such shares 
before voting. 

Sect. 5. The Board of Directors shall elect a Presi- 
dent and Vice-President, and appoint a Cashier and 
such other officers, agents, clerks and servants, as are 
necessary to conduct the business of the Association. 
They may fix their salaries and change the same as 
they may deem advisable, but a majority of the 
whole number of Directors shall be necessary for that 
purpose. 

Sect. 6. The Board of Directors shall make such 
rules, regulations, and by-laws for the government 
of the Association and its otRcers, and the manage- 
ment of its afl'airs, as they may see fit. Five Direc- 
tors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for 
the transaction of business. 

Sect. 7. Austin B. Hale, Silas D. Taber, and Ce- 
rebial S. Jennings, shall be Inspectors of the first 
election of Directors of this Association. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 1C3 

^ECT, 8. The Board of Directors shall require all 
payments to the capital stock of the Association to 
be made in certificates, drafts, or monies current at 
par value in the city of New York, or otherwise, in 
funds which shall be made equal to current funds at 
par value in said city by the shareholders paying- the 
same ; but nothing shall be taken in j)ayment for 
which a greater sum shall be allowed than the par 
value thereof. United States bonds bearing six per 
cent interest shall be taken at pai- value and accrued 
interest. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Section 1. The President of the Association 
shall preside and may vote at the meetings of the 
Board of Directors, at which he may be present. — ■ 
He is hereby indicated as the officer to whom con- 
veyances of real estate shall be made, to take, hold 
and convey the same on behalf of tlie Association, 
according to law. He is also authorized and em- 
powered to collect, receive, and sue for any monies 
due or belonging to the Association, to cancel and 
satisfy any judgments, decrees or mortgages which 
it may hold, and to release and discharge the whole 
or any jjart of the property mortgaged or en cum - 
l)ered ; to sell and transfer any public debt, stock oi- 
other 2:>roperty belonging or pledged to the Associa- 
tion, and to receive any dividend arising therefrom 
under the direction of the Board of Directors, and 
he may appoint for any of these purposes an attor- 
ney in law or fact under him. 

In case of his inability to act from any cause, the 



164: HiSToracAL sketches of mokavia. 

Vice-President may exercise any or all of the poAvers 
of the President for the time being. 

Sect. 2. The President and Cashier shall sign all 
the contracts made by the Association, and the notes, 
bills, or other evidences of debt, and certihcates of 
stock issued by it ; and no other officer, Director or 
shareholder unless specially authorized in writing 
by the Board of Directors, shall make any contract 
in any way binding u]5on it. 

Sect. 8. '.Minutes of the proceedings of the Board 
of Directors shall be regularly kept and signed b}^ 
the President and Cashier. 

ARTICLE V. 

Sect. 1. The Board of Directors shall cause suit- 
able books to be kept for the registry and transfer of 
the shares of the Association, and every transfer shall 
be made on such books and signed by the sharehold- 
er or his Attorney duly countersigned in writing. 

Sect. 2. Every transfer shall be made and taken 
subject to all the conditions and stipulations con- 
tained in these Articles, and the Act aforesaid under 
which this Association is organized. 

Sect. 3. Tlie Board of Directors may close tiie 
transfer books from time to time as the convenience 
of the Association may require. 

ARTICLE VI. 

Section 1. The Board of Directors may invest 
the funds of the Association as the;^ may deem ex- 
pedient in such property as they may lawfully hold, 
and may transfer to and deposit witli the Treasurer 
of the United States, or other proper officer, any 



HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 165 

portion of such i>roperty to secure the payment of 
the notes or bills which the Association may issue 
and circulate as money. 

ARTICLE vir. 

SECTioisr 1. Ont of the funds of the Association, 
the Board of Directors shall defray the current ex- 
penses, and twice in each year may declare and pay 
to its shareholders or their attorneys, such dividends 
from its net profits of the business as they may deem 
expedient. The expenses of the Association shall 
be borne by the shareholders in proportion to the 
number of shares of each, until such time as the 
whole capital stock shall be paid in, and until such 
time all shareholders who shall witli the consent of 
the Directors, pay in on their capital stock a greater 
amount, and at sooner times tlian required by Sec- 
tion 7 of the said Act of Congress may so pay in, in 
advance of the requirements of saicl Section 7. 

The Directors sliall cause the same to be taken in 
as the corporation property of the Association, and 
the same shall be by them immediately invested in 
United States bonds bearing interest at the value of 
six per centum, and they shall cause an accurate ac- 
count to be kept of the interest received on such 
bond, and the same shall be paid to the shareholders 
making sucli advanced payment in proportion to the 
amount and time of such advanced payment. All 
dividends to shareholders shall be paid in the same 
kind of money received on interest on the bonds de- 
posited with the United States Treasurer to tlie ex- 
21 



1G6 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

tent of such monies received, and any deficiency in 
cnrrent banlv bilis, 

AKTICLE VIII, 

Section 1, Tlie Board of Directors may accept 
and exercise any necessary additional powers and 
privileges which may at an}^ time be authorized by 
law. 

Sect. 2. They may also by written consent of 
shareholders liolding two-thirds of the capital stock, 
apj)ly for and accept any act of corporation, and 
upon snch conditions as shall be satisfactory to such 
shareholders may come to be transferred to the body 
corporate all the property of the Association. 

Sect. 3. Two-thirds of the Board of Directors 
may at any time propose amendments to the Articles 
of Association, except for the purpose of increasing 
the capital stock beyond the amount of $100,000, 
the same shall be served upon such stockholders by 
enclosing either a written or printed copy thereof, 
and depositing the same in the Post Office at Mora- 
via, and properly directed to such stockholders at 
their last known place of residence. 

If, after twenty days notice to each stockholder, 
shareholders holding two-thirds. of the capital stock 
shall consent in writing to such amendment or 
amendments, such written consent to be by them or 
their authorized agents duly acknowledged before 
any officer authorized to take acknowledgements of 
deeds, then such amendment or amendments on re- 
cording such consent in the manner provided by 
hiw for filino' the certificates and Articles of Associa- 



HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 107 

tion, and upon the approval of the Compti'oller of 
the currency, shall become a portion of tliese Arti- 
cles of Association. 

The first Board of Directors of this Association 
shall consist of the foUowing persons wlio shall hold 
their office nntil the first Monday of January, 1864, 
and until others are elected in their jilaces, viz : — 
Hector C. Tuthill, Daniel J. Shaw, Beriah D. King, 
Alvah Fitch, Austin B. Hale, William Keeler, 
Charles E. Parker, Thompson Keeler, and Benjamin 
F. Everson. 

We, the undersigned, hereby assent to the fore- 
going Articles of Association, and severally agree to 
take the number of shares set opposite our respect- 
ive names of, tli,e capital stock of the Association, 
and to pay the same as may l)e requii'ed by tlie Di- 
rectors thereof, according to law. 

Dated, Moravia, May 2, 1863. 

Daniel Goodrich, Hector C. Tuthill, Daniel J. 
Shaw, Beriah D. King, Cordial S. Jenniiigs, Jere- 
miah Hunt, Benjamin Atwood, Thompson Keeler, 
William Keeler, Franklin Goodrich, James M. 
Thornton, Charles Chandlei-, Joseph Dresser, Silas 
D, Taber, John L. Parker, Lauren Townsend, Hiram 
Hunt, Wm. B,. Richmond, Charles E. Parker, Eliza- 
beth Barney, John C. Odell, Austin B. Hale, Hiram 
H. Alley, Morgan L. Wood, Peter R. Robinson, 
Benjamin F. Everson, Hector H. Tuthill, M. M. 
Greenfield, Wm. W^. Alley, Jr., Erastus E. Brow^n, 
William Selover, Terry Everson, Alvah Fitch. Smith 
Hewett, H. W. Lockwood. 



168 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. . 

I liereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy 
of the Articles of Association adopfed by tlie sliare- 
holders wliose names are tiiereto subscribed, on the 
second day of May, 1863, as amended May 25, 
1863." 

B. P. EVERSON, CasJiier. 

Article 3, Section 3, was afterwards amended as 
follows :— 

The name "First National Banking Association," 
was changed to "Tlie First l^fational Bank of Mora- 
via." 

Article 7, Section 1, was also amended by making 
the last clause thereof read as follows : 

"All dividends to shareholders may be paid in 
current bank bills." 

BY-LAWS ADOPTED MAY 25, 1863. 

Article 1. The Board of Directors shall meet on 
the first week day of each month, at two o'clock P. 
M., and also at the call of the President, and shall 
be conducted, so far as practicable, by parliamentary 
rules. 

Aet. 2. All questions in the Board shall be de- 
termined by a majority of the Directors present, ex- 
cept as provided in the Act of Association and Law, 
and the ayes and nays shall be taken and recorded 
upon the call of any member of the Board. 

Aet. 3. All the Directors present when any ques- 
tion is taken shall vote unless excused by a majori- 
ty, and in all cases when the vote shall be equal, the 
motion shall be lost. 

Art. 4. The Cashier and all assistants shall give 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 109 

each, bonds in the penalty of $10,000, for the faith- 
ful discharge of their duties. The sureties to such 
bonds to be approved by the Board of Directors. 

Atit. G. a committee of three Directors shall be 
appointed b}^ the Board quarterly to examine the 
vault, safe, count the bills, specie and funds of the 
bank, and re})ort to tlie Board at their next meet- 
ing. 

Art. 6. A committee of five directors shall be 
chosen by a majorit}^ of the Board, any three of 
whom shall constitute a quorum, to allow discounts 
between the regular meetings of the Board. 

AiiT. 7. No one person or firm shall at any time 
be a debtor to fthe bank as principal in a sum ex- 
ceeding live thousand dollars, or as principal and 
surety in a sum exceeding ten thousand dollars. 

Aet. 8. No paper shall be discounted when any 
one of the committee absolutely dissents thereto, 
nor shall any reason be assigned to the party offer- 
ing the paper, when they decline to discount it, un- 
less by consent of the Committee. 

Art 9. The transfer books shall be closed thirty 
days before any dividend is declared, also thirty 
days before the annual meeting of the stockholders. 

Aet. 10, All salaries shall be paid quarterly. 

Aet. 11. All officers, agents, and attorneys of the 
bank, shall be subject to the control and direction 
of the Board of Directors. 

Aet. 12. The Teller shall make up his account 
daily after the close of the bank, and test by the 
balance of cash on the ledger, and in case of deficien- 



170 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

cy or excess, report the same to the Cashier and he 
to the Board at their next meeting, unh'ss in his 
judgment, a sooner report is necessary. 

Aet. 13. The Cashier shall exercise the power 
and perform the duties usually pertaining to said 
office, subject to Act 11 of these By-Laws. 

Art. 14. Banking hours shall be from 10 (/clock 
in the forenoon to 3 o'clock in the afternoon. 

Art. 15. No paper or note shall be renewed more 
than once without consent of the Board. 

Art, 16. The Cashier shall give notice of all 
special meetings of the Board of Directors by imme- 
diately depositing such notice in the Post Office at 
Moravia, properly directed to each Director. 

Art. 17. No Director shall have any voice as a 
committeeman in deciding upon any paper offered 
for discount in which he is interested as principal or 
surety. 

Art. 18. These By-Laws may be altered or added 
to, by a majority of the Board of Directors at a 
regular meeting, upon notice being given at the last 
X^revious meeting ; but all Directors shall have at 
least ten days notice, personal or by mail, directed 
to their post office address, specifying the altera- 
tion or addition to be made. 

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct and 
true copy of the By-Laws adopted by the Board of 
Directors, on the 2oth day of May, 1863. 

BENJAMIN F. EVERSON, Caslilerr 

To the men who originated and so firndy establish- 
ed this public institution, their fellow citizens should 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 171 

be truly grateful. While it was in accordance with, 
and pursuant to the laws of Congress and consis- 
tent with the great primary object of the organiza-^ 
tion of jSTational Banks, to give aid and support to 
the government in its extreme peril and financial 
enibarrassment, it was also an organization of which 
the public and private interests of the community 
stood in need. The safe and speedy transfer of mon- 
eys from the soldier upon the camping ground to the 
friends and family at home ; the depositing in safe 
custody under legal protection of the funds received, 
from bounties and pensions ; the commercial inter- 
ests of the town all eombined to render such an orga- 
nization desirable and almost absolut(>ly necessary 
for the transaction of business. 

The men to wlioni we are indebted for this orga- 
nization wer(^ fortunately of the first business talent 
of the town, honest, reliable, and capable, they pos- 
sessed the coniidd^nce of the people, who knew that 
both their interests and those of the government 
would be consulted and secured. A bank gives an 
impetus to all kinds of business ; its accomodations 
to business men can hardly be overestimated. 

Since its establishment this bank has been conduct- 
ed wisely and honorably. Its officers have been men 
of ability with a goodly knowledge of financial 
affairs. Upon its first organization, A. B. Hale was 
chosen President, and B. F. Everson, Cashier. In 
1864 Mr. Everson resigning, Leander Fitts was made 
Cashier, and lias held the position to tlie present 
time. Ml". Fitts is peculiarly adapted to the busi- 



172 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

ness of banking, is familiar witii the business men of 
this vicinity and their financial standing, is kind and 
^ courteous, yet possessed of those essential elements 
of character so desirable in such an office — firmness 
and decision. 

We give herewith some interesting statistics, to 
wit : Average yearly deposits, government taxes, &c, 
1864— $74,380 18 1868— $123,823 76 

1865— 94,288 25 1869— 91,491 20 

1866— 84,389 93 1870— 69,515 68 

1867— 90,766 29 1871— 68,604 31 
Average deposits during eight years, $87,157 45. 
Taxes paid to the government, $14,554 65. 
Amount of dividends paid to shareholders, $78,300. 
Capital stock, - - - - $80,000 00 

Present surplus, - - - 18,000 27 



Total capital and surplus, $98,000 27 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
William Wade — Cornet Baintd — Newpapeks first 

PUBLISHED IN CaYUGA CoUNTY — TlIE LaVANNA 

Gazette in 1798— Cayuga Tocsin — Northern 
Christian Advocate — Auburn Journal — Cayu- 
ga Chief — First Printing Press in this town 
— The Cay^uga County Courier — Moravia Val- 
ley Register-its "Staff" — Moravia AVeekly^ 
News-its "Reserve" Corps. 

william wade. 

Mr. AVilliam Wade was born in Dighton, Mass., 
on the 28tli day of April, 1811, and was a resident 
of this town for about fifty-live years. Greatly in- 
terested in the subject of education, and possessed 
of a good practicable knowledge of the English 
branches and mathematics, he very often engaged 
in teaching the District ScIkjoIs in this vicinity, and 
invariably with success. 

In 1840 he was Commissioner of Conmion Schools 
for this town. He was a Keej^er in tlie Auburn 
States Prison for several terms, and was appointed 
Enumerator for the towns of Moravia, Niles and 
Sempronius in 1840, and also in I860. 

In 1867, he was elected Justice of the Peace for a 
term of four years, although at tliat time the town 
'21 



174 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAYIA. 

was largely K,epiibllcan, and in 1870, was chosini a 
Justice of Sessions for Cayuga County. 

In 1835, he became a Free Mason, and in the Lodge 
and Chapter, took a jjroniinent position. Unlike a 
majority perhaps, of the masonic oide]*, he made 
Masonry a study, and was familiar with its origin 
and liistory, and all the business relations of the 
Order, and was zealous and efficient in all its rites 
and ordinances. 

For many years previous to his death, he was a 
Knight Templar. Politically a Democrat, strong in 
his adherence to party measures, intimate with the 
machinery of the political parties of the past, he 
was no weak antagonist in private debate or on the 
rostrum. Socialh^, he was friendly to all, without 
regard to political, religious, or secular views or pref- 
erences. He was a member of St. Matthews' Church, 
of this village. He died on tlie first da}' of May, 
1871, at the age of sixty years. 

The following is an extract of the address of Rev. 
G. Williams, Grand High Priest of the State of New 
York : — 

"Companion William Wade, for many years a 
member of this Grand Chapter, died at Moravia, on 
the 1st of May last. In all matters pertaining to 
our Institution, he was devoted, full of zeal, and 
every duty devolving upon him he discharged with 
fidelity." 

COENET BAND. 

The Moravia Cornet Band was organized in 1859, 
their instruments having been purchased by sub- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 175 

Sjcriptions from the business men of the village, to 
the amount of one hundred and twenty dollars, or 
thereabouts. The Band consisted of tlie following 
members : — 

AVilliam Jones, 1st E Hat Cornet ; G. R. Huff, 2d 
E flat Cornet ; A. K. Clark, B flat Cornet ; J. A. 
Wright, 1st Alto ; W. G. Wolsey, 2d Alto ; George 
Beebe, Baritone ; Benjamin T. Avery, Tuba ; Fred. 
Tallman, Tenor Drum ; Smith Harter, Bass Drum. 

They did good service through the political cam- 
paign of 1860, making perhaps, more noise than 
harmony ; l^iit that was expected of them, and is a 
.1 component part of campaign gatherings. 

Since that time the Band has passed through 
many changes, until now it is composed of the fol- 
lowing members, — some of tliem of many 3- ears 
practici^ : — 

G. R. Huflf, Leader, 1st E flat Cornet ; AV. D. 
Bennet, 2d E flat Cornet ; A. Colony, 1st Alto ; Jas. 
Wolsey, 2d Alto ; A. K. Clark, B flat Baritone ; 
Smitli Sawyer, B flat Tenor ; Fred. B. Heald, Tuba ; 
E. D. Greenfleld, Bass Drum ; J. Lewis, Tenoi" 
Drum ; J. Parker, Cymbals. 

They are well organized and thoroughly drilled, 
and make much better music than the majority oi 
bands in th(3 country. It cannot be expected that 
men who have other daily business which demands 
their attention, and who can only obtain practice 
after such business has l)een attended to. can attain 
to perfection in tliis or any other art. (Jonstaut and 
severe practice is required, a natural oai* for harmo- 



176 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

11}^, a delicate perception of the sentiiiieiit of music, 
combined with fervent love for it, can alone consti- 
tute a musician worthy of being heard and patron- 
ized. 

Tliis Band under its present organization, gives 
general satisfaction, and should be sustained and 
encouraged. People nnacquainted with the facts, 
are apt to think that a Band is a kind of public 
property, and should be ready at all times to enter- 
tain them gratuitously. 

It should be remembered that its members devote 
time and money in order to be prepared when called 
upon. It should also be remembered that they are 
business men to whom '' time is money," and when 
their services are required they should be well remu- 
nerated. 

There may be occasions and doubtless are, when 
they, like all other men or organizations, should 
contribute to the public interest. There are public 
ceremonies to be performed without money and 
without price, and with willing hearts and hands. 
But aside from these we believe the Band should be 
employed and paid, not only for their services ren- 
dered, but as tending to encourage and keep intact 
an organization which is almost indispensible to the 
town, and a source of much gratification to the citi- 
zens. 

iSTEWSrVPEKS. 

The first newspaper published in Cayuga County 
was The Lerianna Gazette^ at Levanna, on July 20th, 
1798, by R. Delano, and which naturally had a lim- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAVIA. 177 

ited circulation ; soiitliern Cayuga had at that time 
comparatively few settlers. In 1799 Tlie Western 
Luminator, a small weekly paper, was published at a 
place called AVatkins Settlement, in Scipio. The 
Aurora Gazette was published the same year at Au- 
rora, by H. & J. Pace. The Cayuga Tocsin, was first 
published at Union Springs in 1812, and was after- 
ward removed to Auburn, and held an influential 
position in the County. The publication of T7ie 
Wortliern. CJiristkni Adwcate was commenced in 
April 1841, by Rev. John E. Robie, as a religious 
weekly, in the interests of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Tlie Auhurn Daily Advertiser and WeeMy 
Journal were first published in 184G, b}' Henry Oli- 
phant ; in 1850 he sold to Messrs. Knapp & Peck, 
who have continued their publication to the present 
time, twenty-three years, during which time the pa- 
pers have been greatly improved in size and general 
appearance ; the Journal having a large circulation 
throughout the county among families b}' whom it 
is regarded as an old reliable friend. From 1849 to 
1857, The Cayuga Chiefs devoted to the temperance 
cause, was pul)lished by Thurlow W. Brown, at Au- 
burn. Mr. Brown was an enthusiast in the matter 
of temperance reformation, an able writer and lec- 
turer, and had a large circle of friends in this town, 
where his paper was extensively circulated. 

Moravia of course had to rely u])on Auburn papers 
for countj^ and local news ; but for several years be- 
fore it became a "newspaper town,'' attempts were 
made to start a papei-, wliich signally failed for want 



178 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAYIA. 

of funds, subscribers, or other causes ; it is liowever,. 
a very long road that lias no turn. On February 
20th, 1860, H. H. Alley purchased a "Jones Press" 
which printed a sheet 4 by 5 inches in size, and soon 
afterward one which printed a sheet 12 by 18 inches ; 
for several years he printed tickets for town meetings. 
Finally in October, 1863, the Cayuga Co^oity Courier 
was x>nblislied in the office in Smith's Block, by A. 
O. Hicks, who continued its proprietor until the sum- 
mer of 1864, when lie died ; the paper however, was 
continued by his brother, A. J. Hicks, for another 
year, when A, J. Hicks and Wm. M. Nichols formed 
a co-partnership, the latter shortly afterward pur- 
chasing tlie interest of Mr. Hicks, and continuing 
the proprietor until March 10th, 1867, when Mr. A. 
J, Hicks and Abner H. Livingston became the own- 
ers and publishers until December following, when 
Mr. Livingston purchased the interest of Mr. Hicks, 
and became sole proprietor and continued as such 
until January 1st, 1871, when he sold out to Mr. M. 
E. Kenyon, who improved the general appearance of 
the paper and changed its name to TJie Moradia 
Valley Megister ; it is a seven column paper, 24 by 
36 inches, and is issued every Friday morning, from 
No. 4 Sliimer Block, on Mill Street. Mr. Kenyon is 
a man in the prime of life, of business qualifications, 
well informed, a ready writer, and has held several 
offices of trust ; in 1870 he was appointed Enumera- 
tor for the town of Moravia. 

The Register^ according to the American Newspa- 
per Directory, had in 1873, a circulation of 750 copies. 



HISTORICAL SKFrCHES OF MOKAYIA. 171) 

In politics it is independent. The assistant '' staff" 
of tlie Register consists of Miss Ida M. Green, James 
Keeler, Dorr Tliomas, and Cliarles E. Tallman. 

T])e VieeJdy JVeics was first publislied on January 
2i")tli, 1872,' in the building situate on tlie corner of 
Main and Cayuga Streets, hy Ilri Mulfoid. Tlie size 
of tlie first volume was 19 by 24 inches, and in ])oli- 
tics was neutral, until July 18, 1S72, when its infiu- 
ence was given to the Republican party, to wliicli it 
has since adhered. On Ajiri] 1, 1873, tlie office was 
moved to tlie brick block owned by Messrs. Small & 
Jennings, and on May 15th, tlie 2:»aper was enlarged by 
tlie addition of one column to a j)age. On August 
7, 1873,it was again enlarged to a seven column pa])er 
— size 24 by 3G inches. The present volume com- 
menced with Uri Mulford as editor, and L. & V. Mul- 
ford, proprietors. Mr. Mulford claims to be the 
youngest editor in the State of New York, and is un- 
der twenty-one years of age. He learned to set type 
in the office of the Valley Enterprise in Laurcnce- 
ville. Pa., and also the general business of a country 
printing office. The proprietor of the Enterprise 
having failed, the encouraging advice of M. M. Pom- 
ero}^, formerly a printer in an office in Corning, N. Y.. 
was taken, and Mr. Mulford "sti'uck out for liim- 
self.'' He is active and ambitious, and m(\Tns to be- 
come "master of the situation.'' 

The "reserve corps" of the News is (Composed of 
Miss May Mulford, Ami F. Mulford, E. Nye Stui- 
clevant, and Ed. Mulfoi-d. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
Union Fkee School — Its Histouy — School Build- 
ings — Names of Teachers. 

Oil or about December 1st, 1868, the following pe- 
tition, signed by many of the prominent men of the 
town, was presented to the Trustees of School Dis- 
tricts Nos. 1 and 2 : — 

"'We the undersigned, freeholders and persons 
having a riglit to vote at any school meeting held in 
School Districts 1 and 2, in tln^ Town of Moravia, 
N. Y., do hw'el^y unitt^ in a call for a meeting of the 
inhabitants, legal* voters of said Districts, to deter- 
mine whether such Districts shall be consolidated by 
the establishment of a 'Union Free School' therefor 
and therein, in conformity with the provisions of 
Title 9, Chapter 555, Laws of New York, and the 
acts amendatory theiM-of/" 

In ])ursuance of such petition, after due notice 
giv(^n by the Ti'ustees of said Districts, a meeting of 
tile inhabitants thereof was held at Smith's Hall, in 
Moi-nia A illage, December 19, 1808, at which Leon- 
aid O. Ailven was elect(xl Cliairman, and John L. 
Parker, Secretary. 

The names of th(^ legal voters in eacli of said School 
I)istri<'ts having bi^'ii callcMl. the (liairman an- 



182 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAYIA. 

nounced that a quorum of each District was i)rcsci)t, 
more than one-third of said voters having answered 
to tlieir names. 

Mr. Leander Pitts then offered tlie following : 

"■ Jiesolf^ed, That a Union Free School be estab- 
lished within the limits of School Distiicts Nos. 1 
and 2, in the Town of Moravia, pursuant to the pro- 
visions of Chapter 555, of the Laws of 18(54, and the 
amendments theieof," 

Which resolution was duly voted upon and declar- 
ed passed by the following vote : Ayes, 151. Nays, 8. 

On motion of J. L. Parker, the meeting proceeded 
to ballot for a Board of Education for said DistiP-t, 
consisting of six Trustees, resulting in the election 
of the following named as Ti'ustees, to wit. : 

C. C. Jewett, Wm. Titus, S. Ed. Day, Leander 
Pitts, Terry Everson, and John L. Parker. 

At a subsequent meeting of tlie, Board of Educa- 
tion, Terry Everson was chosen President, and Lean- 
der Pitts, Clerk of the Board. 

On the 13tli day of January, 1869, a special meet- 
ing was held at Smith's Hall, when on motion of L. 
O. Aiken, it was voted, " That the Moravia Institute 
grounds, together with lands adjacent thereto, pro- 
posed to be purchased of Enoch Lacey, be designa- 
ted as a site upon which to build a school-house.—- 
Ayes, 92. Nays, 29. 

This meeting was adjourned until Pebruary 10, 
1869, at which time J. L. Parker submitted the fol- 
lowing resolution : 

Besolved, That Pifteen Thousand Dollars be 



niSTOPtlCAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 1^3 

raised by tax upon tlie taxable property of tlie dis- 
trict, for the purpose of erecting a suitable building 
for a scliool house, the same to be levied and collected 
by installments, as follows :— $3,000 on September 
1, 1870; $3,000 two years from said date; $3,000 
three years from said September 1, 1870 ; $3,000 four 
years from September 1, 1870 ; $3,000 four years from 
September 1, 1871. 

AVithout coming to any conclusion, however, the 
meeting was adjourned to February 20th inst., at 
which adjonrned day a vote was taken upon Mr. 
Parker's resolution, with the following result:— 
Ayes, 75. Nays. 88. 

Mr. Parker then moved to make the amount to be 
raised, $12,500, to be paid in live equal annual in- 
stallments, commencing on the first day of Septem- 
ber, 1870, which was carried. Ayes, 82. Nays, m. 
A motion was also made and carried, that the 
Legislature be petitioned to pass a law authorizing 
the Board of Education to issue bonds of the dis- 
trict to meet the payments with interest of the in- 
stallments aforesaid. 

In accordance with said resolution, a petition 
was sent to the Legislature, and on April 16, 1869, 
an act was passed thereby, entitled, "An Act to au- 
thorize the Board of Education of Union Free 
School, District Number One, of the Town of Mora, 
via, in the County of Cayuga, to bond said district 
for the purpose of building a school-house, and to 
legalize certtiin acts of the inhabitants thei'ein, and of 
the said Board of Education." 



184 .HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

" Section 1. The Board of Education of Union 
Free School, District Number One, of the Town of 
Moravia, in the County of Cajuga, is hereby au- 
thorized and required to procure suitable blanks, and 
to issue the bonds of said district signed by the 
President and Clerk of said Board, with interest cou- 
pons attached in the form to l)e adopted by said 
Board, for the sum of $10,000, which has been voted 
by the inhabitants of said district to be raised bear- 
ing interest at the rate of seven per cent per annum 
from the date thereof, payable semi-annually, on the 
first day of October, and the first day of April in 
each year, at the First National Bank of Moravia. 
Such bonds shall be issued in sums of not less tlinu 
one hundred dollars each, and be mad(^ pa3'abl(' 
with the interest thereon as aforesaid, in four equnl 
annual installments from the first day of Octol)e]', 
1869. 

Sect. 2. The Board of Education of said district 
is hereby directed and required to levy upon the 
taxable property in said district in the ninnner pro- 
vided by law for the collection of school district 
taxes, each year hereafter for four years from the 
first day of October, 1809. the sum of 82,500. and the 
interest as aforesaid on the whole amount of bonds 
unpaid in each year. 

Sect. 8. The taxes in tliis act directed to be lev 
ied and collected, shall Ix^ paid to the Treasurer of 
said district, and by him be applied to the payments 
of the bonds of said district herein direc-ti^d to be 
issued, and the interest thereon as aforesaid, as the 
same shall be(;ome due and payable. 



lllSTOniGAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 18-3 

Sect. 4. The Board of Education of said district 
are hereby directed to add to their tax list for the 
ytKW 1869^ an amount sufficient to pay the int(>rest 
which will become due at the end of the iirst six 
months on said boivds, and to le\\y and collect the 
same in tlie same manner as otlier school district 
taxes are levied and collected. 

Sect. 5. The clerk of said Union Free Scliool Dis- 
trict, oj- any other person authorized by the Board 
of Education thereof, shall negotiate at not less than 
their par value the bonds provided to be issued by 
tliis act, and the avails thereof shall be applied by 
the said Board of Education towards the erection of 
school ])uildings for said district, and to supply the 
same the necessaiy furniture. 

Sect. 6. The said Board of Education are also 
hereby required to issue the bonds of said district 
for such further sum or sums of money payable at 
such times as the inhabitants of said district may by 
resolution at any general or special meeting direcf . 
uot to exceed, however, the sum of §10,000 ; said 
bonds to be so issued in accordance with the provis- 
ions of this act. 

Sect. 7. The acts and proceedings of the inhabi- 
tants of said Districts Nos. 1 and 2, and the Board 
of Education, in forming a Union Free School, in 
procuring and locating a site, and raising money for 
the erection- of Imildings thereon, are hereby con- 

tirmed. 

Sect. 8. This act shall take effect immediately. 
Tn accordance with the foregoing act, bonds were 



1S6 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

issued by the Board of Education in tlie following 
form : 

State of New Yokk, Cayuga County. 

MORAVIA SCHOOL BOARD. 
Know all men by these presents: 

That Union Free School, District Number One, of 
the Town of Moravia, is jointly indebted and prom- 
ises to pay to the holder hereof, on the presentation 

of this bond, the sum of dollars, payable on 

the first of October, 18 — , at the First National Bank 
of Moravia, together with interest thereon, payable 
semi-annually on presentation of the aimexed cou- 
pons at said Bank. 

This bond is issued in pursuance of a resolution 
passed by the legal voters of said district, at a 
meeting held February 20, 1869, and of an act of the 
Legislature of the State of New York, entitled " An 
Act to authorize the Board of Education of Union 
Free School, District Number One, of the town of 
Moravia, in the County of Cayuga, to bond said dis- 
trict for the purpose of l)uilding a school-house, and 
to legalize certain acts of the inhabitants therein, and 
of the said Board of Education, |)assed April 17, 
1869. 

In witness whereof, the President and Clerk of the 
Board of Education of Union Free School, District 
Number One, of the Town of Moravia, here set their 
hands and seals, this day of , 18 — . 

, Cleric. , President. 



HISTOUICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 187 

Union Free Scliool, District No. 1, of the town ol 

Moravia, will pay to bearer, dollars, on 

tlip lirst day of , 18 — , at the First National 

Bank of Moravia, for six months interest on bond. 
No. , for dollai-s. 

, Clerk of the Board of Education. 

A substantial and commodious brick building has 
])een erected, under the management of a very effi- 
cient and faithful Board of Education, who have de- 
voted much time and personal attendance to the 
general work of securing suitable building materials, 
furniture and fixtures for the school rooms. The 
Kchool building is an ornament to the town, and 
bespeaks a healthy, moral, and intellectual growth 
of public sentiment. 

The first term of school commenced on the 25th 
day of April, 1870, with about 150 j)upils in attend- 
ance, and the following term this number was in- 
creased to 250, under charge of the following teach- 
ers : — 

Principal — Hosea Curtis. Assistants — Miss Grace 
A. Wood, Miss Sarah M. Cole, Miss L. Annie 
Brownell. 

The Board of Education have been foi-tunate in 
their selection of instructors, if we may Judge from 
the present appearances of the school, and the rapid 
advancement made by a large proportion of the pu- 
pils. 

It must be admitted that when this school was 
opened, the status of a majority of the pupils was 
very unsatisfactory. This was owing not to their 



188 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

inability to receive instiiiction, but largel}' to an 
aversion to stndy, whicli iiacl been caused b}' the in- 
(^ompetent and unsatisfactory niaiiner in which the 
district schools had been conducted. Nor was this 
the fault entirely of the teachers of these schools. 
They taught for the paltry wages whicli they re- 
ceived, and earned their money. The educational 
atmosphere had become impure and obnoxious. 
The patrons of the schools had been penurious. 
The outlay small, and the returns proportionally 
scant. "As ye sow, that shall ye also reap," as a 
spiritual maxim, is as truly applicable to temporal 
things. Men gather not grapes of thorns, or figs of 
thistles ; neither can it be rationally expected that 
children subjected to shabby school buildings, unfin- 
ished and repellant, with instructors uninteresting 
and inapt to teach, parents giving little if any en- 
couragement to teacher or scholar, can be other than 
backward, undisciplined and unpromising pupils. 
As our cliurches, schools and homes are made at- 
tractive and interesting, in such degree shall we find 
the former well attended and prosperous, the latter 
a protection against vice, and in all, the security of 
personal and religious liberty and happiness. 

It is therefore with justifiable pride that we behold 
the work accomplished by this community, by their 
deputed officers, the Board of Education, in the 
erection of a beautiful school building, the furnish- 
ing of the same attractively, and the ornamentation 
and beautifying of the grounds. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 189 

The cost of tlics<^ aniouiitirig to about ^1(5, 000, in- 
cluding the enlaTging of the groujids, is being paid 
in installments as the same become due, as set forth 
in the act of the legislature herein l^efore referred to. 
The estimated annual expenses including teachers' 
wages, fuel, incidentals, &c., are $3,600. 

With its present favorable prospects, the school 
will be nearly self-sustaining after the liabilities for 
bulldiiig, etc.. shall have been cancelled. 



23 



CHAPTER XX. 

("KMETEitiES — Old BiTKiAL Gkounds — Thk Flood 
OF 1868 — Paktial 1)estku(!Tio]n^ of the Old Cem- 
etery — IxDiAN Mound — Cold Sprixo and Pitb- 
Lic Park — Na^ie?^ of Residents of tuts toavn 

OVER 75 YEAIIS OF AGE — AlSO OF PERSONS WHO 

HAVE died residents, over 75 teams of aoe. 

BIRIAL GROUNDS. 

" The dead are tliere ; 
And niillions in their solitude, since first 
The flight of years l)egan, have laid them down 
In their last sleep ; the dead reign there alone." 
While the (hv})('st phi]()so])hy cannot reacli beyond 
the gtave, or remove the veil which shuts from our 
limited vision the life which is to come, oi- ](»velation 
hnid oni' hnitt^ minds into tlie wondrous mysteries of 
tne Infinite, death is accepted by all as a certainty 
lixed and inexorable. The end of tJiis lif«> we know, 
and p]*«^pare ourselves as l)est w(Mnay f<^r the putting 
off of this mortal coil. .AVhih^ in point of fact, 
when that time comes, it may matt(M' little where 
the body shall 1)i' laid, tliei-e is yet an instinctive 
shrinking from a burial in a sti-ange land, or a|)art 
from friends d(\ir to us in life. 

Even in th(^ early ages, the family toml) and burial 
place was selected and ke])t with care, and ]))-otected 
fr<mi generation to generation. 



193 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

How expressively mournful, yet urgent tlie re- 
quest of Abraham to the sons of Heth : 

'• I am a stranger, and a sojourner with you ; give 
me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I 
may bury my dead out of my sight," 

"And the field of Ephron which was in Mach- 
pelali, which was before Mamre, the field and the 
cave that was therein, and all the trees that were in 
the held, that were in all the borders round about, 
were made sure." 

"And the held and the cave that is thereon weri^ 
made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a bury- 
ing place by the sons of Heth." 

Nearly one hundred years after this, the last 
words of the patriarch Jacob to his children, express 
an affectionate longing for a grave in tlie burial 
grounds of his ancestors : 

"And he charged them, and said unto them, I am 
to be gathered unto my people ; bury me with my 
'fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron, the 
Hittite. In the cave that is in the field of Machpe- 
lah, which is before Manire in the land of Canaan, 
which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron, the 
Hittite, for a possession of a burying-place." 

"There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. 
There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and 
there I buried Leah." 

This feeling was also evinced by Joseph, who, 
dying in Egj'pt, took an oath of the children of Is- 
rael : "God will surel}' visit you, and ye shall ear- 
ly up my bones from hence." More than two hun- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 193 

dred years thereafter, tliis was literal!}' fulfilled, and 
the bones of Joseph, which the Israelites hadca-rried 
with them thronghout tlieir journe^'ings, were bnried 
in Sliechem, in a piece of ground which Jacob 
bouglit of the sons of Hamor, the father of Shec- 
ham. 

The old-time benizen, — "Maj' j^ou be buried 
among your kindred," expresses the natural desire 
of the heart. 

Whiln the labors and the duties of life often of 
necessity require tlie separation of the dearest fam- 
ily relations, there is yet satisfaction in the thought, 
that when tliese labors are ended, and we shall have 
tilled up tlie measure of our days, we maj^ as fami- 
lies and frumds, rest together in one sepulcher, 
awaiting in hope the morning of the Eesurrection. 

A few of the early settlers were buried on East 
Hill, near tlie Brick Yard. At a later day, a piece 
of land l^'ing one-half mile south of the village was 
purchased by the "First Congregational Church So- 
ciety.'" of Moses Little, for burial purposes. The 
grounds WT're never properly prepared, and graves 
have been mad(" without regard to regularity or 
space. Glass and w^eeds have often covered the en- 
tire enclosure. Laterl}', however, the grounds, to- 
gether with an half acre purchased of Jesse Cole, 
have been conveyed to "The Moravia Cemetery As- 
sociation," which has made great improvement in 
their general ai>pearance bj' ])uilding new and sub- 
stantial fences, subduing obnoxious weeds, and ar- 
ranging the newh" purchased portion into lots of 



194 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

uniform size. Notwitlistandiiig the undesirable lo- 
cation of tlie grounds and the wretched condition in 
which they have been kept, there are many of the 
older families now living, who have attachments for 
the "Old Burial Grounds " which are too strong and 
sacred for severance. Their friends rest beneath its 
rough exterior. The spot whereon they sleej:) is 
hallowed ground. There the tears of affection have 
been shed, fond memories awakened, and resolutions 
made for future usefulness. 

There, too, are buried some who were the pioneers 
of civilization in this region, of Puritanic blood and 
principles, who possessed within themselves the 
elements of moral strength and worth little realized 
by those who to-day casually read their histories 
only by the humble monuments which mark their 
graves. For these reasons, the old burial ground 
has its attractions, and its sacred memories. But it 
has become unsafe and undesirable for burial pur- 
poses. "Dry Creek," the name of which is cei'tain- 
ly a misnomer, flows along its southern and western 
boundaries, and may at time of high water, renew 
the terrible scenes of the past, the reniemb]*ance of 
which still thrills our hearts with horror. 

On the morning of July 21, 1863, the people of 
this village were greatly alarmed by the continuous 
heavy rains of the day and night previous, and the 
rapid rising of the waters in the creeks. 

Their fears were more than realized, at ten o'clock, 
A. M., when a vast volume of water came rushing 
down from the north and east, cariying away every 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 195 

mill dam and bridge in its course, ii})r()()ting trees, 
and destroying several buildings. As a consequence, 
a large part of the village adjoining the creek was 
inundated to the depth of two or three feet, and all 
communication between the two sections of the vil- 
lage entirely suspended. 

"Dry Creek," within a few hours, became a foam- 
ing torrent, filled with trees and loii'S. About eleven 
o'clock its banks were overflowed, and the main 
current of the stream turned against the western 
bank of the cemetery, the lower stratum of which, 
on a level with the creek, being composed of gravel 
and quicksand, was quickly undermined, and within 
an hour the western portion of the grounds contain- 
ing from thirty-five to forty graves, carried away. 

The writer, in compan}' with CI. L. Wright and 
John Storms, apprehending danger from this source, 
reached the cemetery by a circuitous route, east of 
Morses' Grove (the highway being impassable) in 
time to find a small portion of the bank caved off, 
and the coffin of Lieut. George C. Stoyell exj^osed 
to view. A rope was immediately procured from the 
house of Philip Ercanbrack, and an attempt made 
to secure the remains, but before this could be done 
the embankment again went down, and they were 
precipitated a distance of twenty -five feet into the 
flood below. 

It is impossible to describe the feelings of the wit- 
nesses of this terrible scene, who, powerless to save, 
saw the remains of one wiio a few months previous, 
was their associate and friend, so ruthlesslv unearth- 



196 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

(^d and swept wildly down the watery current. The 
box in which the coffin was enclosed, was however, 
lirmly built, and without receiving material injury, 
was cast upon a bank of sand which had been thrown 
up in the midst of the stream just above the plank 
road. Here another attempt was made to rescue the 
body, by the aid of a rojie, one end of wliicli was 
lirmly held by two of the party and grasped by the 
other who plunged into the waters, but was instantly 
swept away from the rope and down the stream with 
great force, and only escaped destruction by catching 
and clinging to the willow branches overhanging the 
creek, until rescued. 

Meantime several coffins were carried down the 
stream, while some were thrown upon the adjoining 
fields and door-yards. Bodies long interred, were 
torn from their tombs, and seemingly with out- 
stretched, fleshless arms, plunged into the watery 
abyss. 

Although at this time assistance had arrived from 
the village, it was found to be impossible to save 
any from this terrible devastation, except by exhu- 
ming and removing the bodies to a remote part of 
the grounds, wdiich in many instances was done. 

The remains of Mr. Stoyell were afterwards dis- 
covered near the mouth of "Dry Creek," and re- 
moved to the village through the water, which was 
from three to four feet in depth over the flats. 

The scenes of that terribly eventful day aroused 
the feelings of the whole community, and proceed- 
ings were immediately had to procure grounds in 
a more suitable and safe location. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 197 

The following is an extract from tlie Historical ac- 
count of the origin of " Indian Mound Cemetery," 
1)3' S. Edwin Day, Esq. 

"The demand for a new Cemetery was felt to bo 
imperative. Immediately, a committee of citizens, 
consisting of Messrs. Guernsey Jewett, Rufus War- 
ren, Norman Parker, Gideon F. Morey, C. A. Co- 
nant, E. A. Mead, and others, having in view the 
formation of a C(^metery Association under the gen- 
eral law of the State, volunteered to visit most of the 
lands in or near the limits of the incorj^oration of the 
Village of Moravia, which were deemed fit and suita- 
ble for cemeteiy purposes. Their duties were not a 
little arduous and perplexing. The desideratum 
was a place of security, easy of access, pleasant as 
to situation and scenery, with aj^propi-iate surround- 
ings, and a soil naturally adapted to the digging of 
graves. The grounds most nearly embodying jDer- 
fection in all these qualities, were found in a piece of 
land then owned by Samuel E. Day, Esq., lying but 
a few rods east of the limits of the corporation, and 
between it and the village of Montville, — a place at 
once inviting and singularl}^ suited to the purpose 
intended. The preliminary steps having been taken, 
the following named citizens of said town assembled 
at the office of Mr. G. Jewett, on the ITtli day of 
August, 1863, and proceeded to organize and estab- 
lish a Cemetery Association, pursuant to law, viz, : 

Hector H. Tuthill, Dr. Charles C. Jewett, Loyal 

Stoyell, James H. Jewett, Rufus W. Close, Guern- 

se}^ Jewett, Hector C. Tuthill, Thom])son Keeler, 
24 



195 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 3IOKAVIA. 

t 

Chauncey Wright, Lauren Townsend, Joseph Dres- 
ser, Rufus AYarren, Cordial S. Jennings, 8. Edwin 
Day, and Charles E. Parker. 

Hector C. Tnthill was made Chairman, and Chas.. 
E. Parker, Secretary of the meeting. The corpo- 
rate name determined upon, was, " The Indian 
Monnd Cemeterj^ Association." It was deemed the 
fittest appellation for many reasons, not the least of 
which was, that, by an old tradition, the lot, the 
purchase of which was contemplated, had, man}^" 
years before been the depository of the remains of 
the deceased sachems, chieftains and warriors of the 
brave Cayngas, whose sj)irits had hjng ago entered 
n^Don the felicities of the happy hunting grounds. 
Mounds indicative of graves beneath, were still there 
to be seen. 

The trustees were to be nine in number, and the 
following named persons were duly elected : 

Rufus W. Close, Gideon F. Morey, Guernsey Jew- 
ett, Cordial S. Jennings, Austin B. Hale. Charles E. 
Parker, Hector H. Tuthill, Charles. C. Jewett, and 
William Keeler. 

By law, these are required to be divided by lot 
into three classes. Those in the iirst class to hold 
their offices for one year. Those in the second class 
to hold their offices for two years, and those in the 
third class to hold their offices for three years. 

This was done, and the classification resulted as 
follows ; Mrst Class. —RectoY H. Tuthill, Cliarles 
C. Jewett, and William Keeler. Second Class. — Cor- 
dial S. Jennings. Austin B. Hale, and Charles E. 



niSTORrCAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 199 

Parker. Third Class .-Wwiw^ W. Close, Gideon 
F. Morey, and Guernsey Jewett. 

It A\'as determined that the future annual election 
of Trustees should be held on the first Tuesday of 
October. On the 20th day of the same month, the 
Trustees met a]id appointed from their number the 
first officers of the Board, whicli ^Yere as follows : 

Presldeid, — Gueriisej^ Jewett. Vice President. — 
Rufas \\\ Close. *SV^fVY^/r/r?/.— Hector H. Tuthill. 
Treasurer. — Gideon F. More;*'. 

At a meeting of the Trustees held September 22, 
1863, the President wns authorized and empowered 
to enter into a contract with Samuel E. Da}^, Esq., 
for the purchase of the premises herein-before men- 
tioned, which he did verbally. Intermediate the 
time of the inaking of tliispart of tlie agreement and 
next meeting of the Trustees, to wit : On the 13th 
day of October, 1863, Mr. Day died. 

At the special instance of the Trustees, although 
the grounds had not yet been surveyed or plotted, 
his remains were on the 15th day of October, buried 
in the new cemetery, it being deemed fit that the late 
owner of the premises being dead, shoidd be the 
first to be interred in 'Indian Mound.' 

On the 24t]i day of October, aforesaid, a warranty 
deed was duly executed l)y the Avidow and heir at 
law of the said deceased, coiivt^ying tlie fee simple 
of said lands unencumbered to the Trustees of the 
Association and their successors in office forever. 

About the same time formal possession of the 
premises was taken ]iy the Trustet^s, who proceeded 



300 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 3I0RAVIA. 

at once to cause tlie siiiiic to be laid out into lots, 
plats, &c., witli snitable walks, avenues and paths, 
under the direction of Fred. E. Knight, C. E. The 
task of the engineer was performed in the most 
thorough and perfect manner." 

The conveyance to the Association as above stated, 
consisted of ten and sixty-three one-hundredths acres 
of land. Thereafter, and on the 26th day of Decem- 
ber, an additional piece of land containing one-half 
acre or thereabouts, was also conveyed to the Asso- 
ciation, by Charles E. Parker, and Harriet (t., his 
wife. 

ORDINANCES OF THE ASSOCIATION. 

The Board of Trustees of Indian Mound Cemetery 
Association, do by virtue of the power and authority 
in them vested, hereby ordain and establish the fol- 
hjwing Rules and Regulations for the government of 
the Association, and the management of the prop- 
erty and affairs thereof, viz. : — 

First. All the business of the Association shall 
be managed by a Board of nine Trustees, one-third 
of whom shall, after the exj^iration of the terms of 
the first and second classes already designated, be 
elected annually, by the proprietors of lots in the 
Cemetery, for the term of three years. 

Second. An annual meeting of the proprietors of 
lots in the Cemeteiy for the election of Trustees, and 
the transaction of such other business as may be 
lawfully submitted to them, shall be held at sucli 
place as shall be designated by the Trustees, on the 
first Tuesday of Octobei-, of which it shall be the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 201 

duty of tlie Secretary to give at least six days notice 
in a local newspaper published in this village, or by 
a conspicuous notice at the Post Office, or both. 

Til ird. From the Tiustees of the A ssociation there 
shall be chosen immediately after each annual elec- 
tion, a President, Vice-President, Secretary and 
Treasurer, who shall hold theii' offices respectively 
for one 3'ear, and until successors shall assume the 
duties of the said offices, and appointed by the Pres- 
ident two standing committees, to wit : a Committee 
on Finance, and a Committee on Improvements. 

Fourth. It shall be the duty of the President to 
preside at all meetings of the proprietors and Trus- 
tees, to call special meetings of either or both, at his 
option, or when thereunto requested by the Trustees. 
To appoint the Standing Committees required by 
the preceding ordinance to sign deeds of burial lots, 
to recommend to the Board by annual communica- 
tion or otherwise, such measures for improving, pro- 
tecting, beautifjdng and enlarging the cemetery 
grounds as he shall deem expedient and proper, and 
in general to supervise the affairs of the Association. 
In his absence the duties of his office shall be dis- 
charged by the Vice President, if he shall be pres- 
ent, and if not, b}" a President pro tempore. 

Fifth. It shall })e the duty of the A' ice President 
to discharge the duties of President whenever the 
latter shall be alDsent, or from any cause be unable 
to occupy the chair. 

Sixth. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to 
record the proceedings of all meetings of the Board 



202 HISTORICAL SKETCHES Or^" MORAYIA. 

of Trustees and stockholderi?, to keep a registry of 
the sale of lots in tlie Cemeteiy, and of interments 
reported by the Superintendent ; to sign licenses for 
interments whenever thereto requested bv any per- 
son who shall require the right to inter in the Cem- 
etery, from the President of the ]3oard of Trustees. 

Seventh. It shall, be the duty of the Treasurer to 
receive and safely keep the funds of tlie Association, 
to disburse the same only on the order of tlie Presi- 
dent, countersigned by the Secretary, to I'eport all 
funds in the Treasury, and the hnancial condition of 
the Association to the Board whenever thereunto 
requested, and before entering upon his office to ex- 
ecute a bond to the Association with such sureties 
and in such penalties as shall be approved by the 
Board of Trustees, for the faithful performance of 
his duties. 

Eighth. All monies which shall be derived from 
the sale of Ic^s, from bequests, and from other 
sources, shall, except so far as they may be necessa- 
rily applied to the payment of the consideration 
mdne}^ for the lands wliich constitute the Cemetery 
ground, be faithfully and economically expended 
upon the said grounds, or otherwise devoted to the 
purposes and objects of the Association, and shall 
in no event be paid to, or be permitted to enure to 
the individual )>enefit of any m('inb(n' of the Associa- 
tion. 

mnth. It shall be the doty of the Board of 
Trustees to appoint ii Superintendent of the Ceme- 
tery, who shall hold his office during their i^leasure, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 203 ' 

und receive for his services such compensation as the 
Board shall prescribe. 

TentJi. It shall be the duty of the Superintend- 
ent to attend at the Cemetery from time to time, and 
at such times as the Board of Trustees shall direct, 
and particularly during funeral ceremonies and in- 
terments, to report to the Secretary the name, place 
of nativit}', late residence, age, and occupation of 
every person wdiose remains shall be interred or en- 
tombed in the Cemetery, together with the date of 
liis or her demise. 

Eleveidli. All interments in lots sluill be made 
under the direction of the Superintendent, and shall 
bo restricted to the remains of members of the fam- 
il}' and relatives of the owner of the lot in which 
such interment shall be made, exce];)t special per- 
mission for the interment of the remains of other 
persons upon a particular lot be obtained from the 
Board of Trustees. 

TioeJftli. Wlieiiever application shall be made to 
tlie Suptnintendent by any person whom he does not 
know to be the proprietor of a lot, for the opening 
of a grave in the Cemeteiy, he shall before, comply- 
ing with such request, require the ai^plicant to pro- 
duce to him a permit, signed by the Treasurer. 

In all cases of interments in lots, there shall be 
hnmediately due from the owner of sucli lot, and 
payable to the Treasurer of this Association for each 
interment, the following sums or prices, to wit : 

For opening and closing a grave less than three 
feet in length, three dollars ; for opening and clos- 



,204 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

ing a grave of three feet or more in length, four dol- 
lars. 

Th i rieerdh . The Superintendent shall, before he 
suffers disinterment to take place, require the pro- 
duction of a written permit to that effect, signed by 
the Secretary of the Association. 

FoinieentJi. In order to preserve uniformity and 
symmetrj^, and to prevent the introduction of nox- 
ious or objectionable plants, all improvements to 
lots, grading, ornamenting and planting of trees, 
shrubs, or flowers, are to be done after consultation 
with, and under the direction of the Superintendent 
of the Committee of Improvements. 

Fifteenth. The proprietor of each lot may enclose 
the same with a fence or railing, as may suit his 
taste, not exceeding three feet in height, provided 
such fence or railing except the posts, which may be 
of some dural)le timber or stone, shall be of iron, and 
shall be light, neat and symmetrical, and the gates 
thereof shall swing into the lot. 

Sixfeenth. All vaults or tombs shall be constructed 
of durable material and fitted up with catacombs, 
and with the exception of the receiving vault of the 

Association, shall be sealed up with hard brick or 
cement immediately after the deposit of bodies there- 
in, and the entrance protected with stone or metal 
doors. 

Seventeenth. If any monument, vault, tomb, effi- 
gy, railing, or structure whatever, or any inscription 
be placed in or upon any lot which shall be deter- 
mined by four of the trustees for the time being to 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. ^05 

be offensive or improper, the trustees sliall have the 
right, and it shall be their duty to enter upon such 
lot and remove the said offensive or improper ob- 
jects, provided, however, that if such stiaVcture or 
improvement shall have been made with the consent 
of the Board for the time being, the same shall not 
hereafter be removed except with the consent of the 
owner thereof. 

Eigldeentn. In th(^ erection of monuments, vaults, 
tombs, railings, or other obstructions, a place will be 
desio-nated by the Superintendent for i\ie deposit of 
the stone, or other material which shall not remain 
lono-er on the ground than is actually necessary for 
their construction, and which shall be conveyed to, 
and the rubbish consequent therein removed from 
the grounds upon hand-barrows or vehicles with 
broad wheels. 

mneteentlu If any tree or shrub situated in any 
lot shall by means of its roots or branches oecome 
detrimental, dangerous, or inconvenient to the adja- 
cent lots, walks, or avenues, the Trustees shall have 
the rio-ht, and it shall be their duty, to cause the 
removal of said tree, or shrub, or such part or parts 
thereof, as may be deemed detrimental, dangerous, 
or inconvenient. 

Twerdletli. It shall be the duty of th(> proprietor 
of each lot to place and keep in repair, permanent 
landmarks of the l)Oundari(^s of their respective 

lots. i. T +^ 

Tweniihflrst. Proprietors of lots are requested to 
provide themselves with a copy of the ordinances 
^ 25 



20C KISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORATIA. 

and recommendations of the Board of Trustees be- 
fore erecting any structure, or planting any trees, or 
slimbbery upon their lots, that they may be advised 
not only of tlie peremptory rules of the Association, 
bnt of the suggestions of the Board presenting the 
kind of structures which are the most durable and 
tasteful, and the species of shrubbery and flowers 
•the most approj^riate to the place of graves. 

Tioenty-second. Yisitors properly admitted to the 
grounds, may have access to ever}^ part of the Cem- 
eter}', provided that they ride or drive in the car- 
riage-ways, and walk in the avenues and paths laid 
out for those purposes, and abstain from all disturb- 
ing and unnecessary noises ; that they ride or drive 
no faster than a walk, if they have with them 
hearses or carriages.; that they bring upon the 
grounds no fire-arms, fire-crackers, or other explo- 
sive substances, refreshments, other than water, and 
abstain from smoking during ceremonies of inter- 
ment ; that they leave no horse or horses on the 
grounds unattended without fastening ; that they 
refrain from entering any lot which is occupied, 
without the special leave of the proprietor, and ab- 
stain from, plucking any flowers, either wild or cul- 
tivated, or breaking, or injuring any monument, 
railing, shade-tree, shrub, or plant whatever; that 
they refrain from w^riting upon, marking, or in any 
respect marring or defacing any tablet, monument, 
tree, liead-stone, or structure used in or belonging to 
the Cemetery ; that if they are under twelve years 
of age, they are attended b}^ some person who will 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 207 

be responsible for their conduct, and tliat tliey ob-- 
sei've in all respects sucli rules of decorum and pro- 
])riety as shall be harmless to the Cemetery, inoffen- 
sive to other visitors, and befitting well-bred visitors 
to the resting-places of the dead. 

Tioenhj-third. Any person wlio shall violate any 
of t]ie foregoing I'ules in regard to visitors, shall be 
expelled and thereafter excluded from the cemetery 
grounds, and subject to the severe penalties which 
t\\(* law in such cases imposes. 

Tweiibj-fourtli. All applications for the sale and 
l)urchase of lots shall be made to the President. — 
The purchase money on any sale is to !)<' immedi- 
ately paid to the Treasurer, or secured to him by an 
approved note, when the Tfeasurer will deliv<T to 
the purchaser a good and sufficient deed of tlie prem- 
ises so sold ; and no interment will be permitted until 
the purchase money of the lot <^n which any burial 
shall be sought to be made, has been paid or secured. 

Tioeniy-fifUi. It shall be the duty of lot owners 
to cause all bases of head-stones to be set upon sub- 
bases or cobble-stone at least two feet in depth, and 
the setting shall be done under the direction of the 
Superintendent. All head-stones having no bases, 
shall be set under like dii'ections in a ])ase of colible- 
stones and hydraulic cement. TJie time of tln^ Su- 
perintendent occupied in or al)out such setting, shall 
be paid for by the person for whom such services are 
rendered, at the rate of twenty -live cents per hour. 
Wliere the cement used is furnished by the Associ- 
ation, such person shall pay a reasonable price there- 
for. 



208 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAYIA. 

. Tmentif'Six. Uj^on the purchase of a lot b_y any 
person, the Association undertal-5:es and agrees to see 
that the same is kept in order forever thereafter ; 
that the mounds of any grave therehi shall be re- 
tained in shape, that any monument or head-stone 
tliereon be carefully attended to ; that the grass be 
always neatly cut, the trees and shrubs suitably 
pruned and cared for ; and generallj^ to do and per- 
form such necessary and proper things in and about 
the care and management of said lots, and the mounds, 
monuments and erections tliereon, as by right should 
be done. 

Twenty -seventh. Any person who may be desirous 
of having a bed of flow(^rs made and cultivated upon 
any lot of which he may be the owner, may give no- 
tice thereof to the President, who thereupon and 
after the payment of a reasonable compensation to 
the Treasurer for the work to be laid out, shall cause 
the flower bed to be constructed by and under the 
direction of the Superintendent ; the bed shall be 
carefully kept, and shall be maintained from year to 
3'ear on like payment of a small annual consideration. 

Twenty -eiglitli. Alterations or additions to these 
ordinances shall be proposed in writing, to the Board 
of Trustees, and shall lay over until a subsequent 
meeting, when, if they receive a vote of a- majority 
of the Trustees elected, they shall take effect as ordi- 
nances of the Association. 

Indian Mound Cemeteiy, with its location and 
natural scenery, will soon compare favorably with 
any burial grounds in this portion of the country. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 209' 

The cvei-greeiiy, of whicli there are many varieties, 
under careful management and culture, are assum- 
ing beautiful form and i)i'oportions. Maples and 
elms, the most beautiful of forest shade-trees, are 
set at stated distances along the carriage roads. 
Choice shrubber}^ and flowers have been placed by 
loving hands upon nearly ever}' occupied lot. At 
this writing, many costly and elegant monuments 
liave been erected. 

The officers of the Association are deserving of 
gieat credit for the ver> efficient manner in which 
thei]' labors have been <"onducted, and for the beau- 
tiful and tastef nl appearance which tlie grounds now 
present. A local pride is natuially felt by all in 
the great' improvements which have been made, in 
litting up desirable, and above all, secure burial 
grounds, which shall for all time be safe from floods 
and devastation, and which, under the care and con- 
trol of a, legally organized and established body cor- 
porate will" be permanently maintained and protect- 
ed, with all the sacred reverence and respect which 
the living owe to the silent dwelling-places of the 
dead. 

COLD SPRIXG. 

This valuable spring is located on the "Morse 
Premises," neai;the eastern boundary of the corpo- 
ration, thi-ee-fourths of a mile distant from, and 
perhaps two liundred feet above the village ; and 
with its present dimensions, contains from six to 
eight barrels of water, which is very pure and cold, 
and possesses a sweetness rarely to be found in the 
waters of this part of the county of Cayuga. 



•110 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

From its location, the waters of this spring could,, 
without difficulty, be conducted in iron tanks to all 
portions of the village, and would furnish an abun- 
dant supply for each building, by having a reservoir 
of suitable dimensions, at some convenient point on 
East Hill. 

Such a "water power'' would be of great value 
as a protection against fire, and much cheaper and 
more reliable than fire engines. With hydrants and 
hose stationed at convenient distances, the principal 
streets could be kept free from dust, and lawns^ 
3^ards and gardens watered at pleasure. 

Tlius far, we have shown simply some of the pe- 
cuniary advantages to be derived from this project. 
But there are others equally desirable. Moravia 
needs a "Public Park," — a place for recreation, 
promenades, social gatherings, and innocent amuse- 
ment. Doubtless in a few years, the premises known 
as " The Grove Park Grounds," could be purchased 
or leased (the former would be preferable), for a 
term of years at a reasonable valuation or rental, for 
such purposes. Proper!}^ laid out, with carriage- 
roads and walks, and tastefully arranged with foun- 
tains, flowers, shrubbery, &c., in addition to the 
beautiful natural scenery, these grounds would be 
an ornament to the village, and an. attractive and 
desirable place during leisure hours. 

Trout ponds could be added to the above with 
profit. By a small admission fee to the grounds, the 
project would be self-sustaining ; but it should be 
light, that none need be excluded on the plea of 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 211 

poverty ; and better yet, if, by any reasonable means 
no entrance fee should be charged. 

These suggestions m regard to "Cold Spring" 
and the Public Park, are offered with the hope that 
they may ere long lead to the accomplishment of 
such desirable objects. 

AC4ED PEESONS. 

Of the persons who died residents of this town, of 
the age of 7o years or upwards, we have been able to 
gather the following names, and regret that it has 
been impossible to obtain a complete list, either of 
the dead or the living of such an advanced age : 

Jane Berean, died March 19th, 1853, aged 96. 

William Bov/en, aged 90. 

David Wright, died August 19th, 1869, aged 95. 

Dorcas Card, died 1849, aged 93. 

Daniel Wood, aged 92. 

Dudley Loomis, died December 31st, 1869, aged 90. 

Daniel Goodrich, Sen., died April 29fch, 1855, 
aged 89. 

^Rhoda Smith, died May 24th, 1836, aged 88. 

Sarah Camp, died February 7th, 1859, aged 88. 

Laura Wright, died January 22d, 1852, aged 87. 

Charlotte Childs, died October 25, 1863, aged 87. 

Sarah Warren, died February 9th, 1829, aged 86. 

Capt. Alexander Stark, died September 18th, 1864, 

aged 86. 

Deacon Josiah Jewett, died February 24th, 1860, 

aged 86. 

Leah Cortwright, aged 86. 

Lucy Cady, died January 21st, 1854, aged 85. 



,^1:3 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

Gad Camp, died March 27th, 1840, aged 84. 
John Dennis, died September 2d, 1856, aged 84, 
Harriet S. Loomis, died March 26th, 1864, aged 83. 
Moses Little, died March, 1839, aged 82. 
Zadoc Cady, died March 6th, 1846, aged 83. 
John Stoyell, Sen., died October 23d, 1842, aged 82. 
Polly Ames, aged 82. 
Richard Smith, aged 82, 

Silas Lincoln, died October 22d, 1864, aged S2. 
Jerusha Wright, died April 15th, 1860, aged SO. 
Prudence Skinner, died December 1st, 1844, aged 80, 
Sophia Johnson, aged 80. 

Thankful Rogers, died January 14th, 1S37, aged 80, 
Eunice Powers, died September 3d, 1838, aged 80, 
John H. Parker, died 1874, aged 80. 
Peleg Gallop, died March 26th, 1858, aged 79. 
Tryphena Cole, died September 9th, 1858, aged 79, 
Catharine Dennis, died April 21st, 1849, aged 79. 
Daniel Goodrich, Jr., died March 2Sth, 1869, aged 
78. 

Aaron Parsons, died August 21st, 1870, aged 78. 
Mehetable Taber, died November 27th, 1864, aged 
77. 

Squire Robinson, died March 29th, 1858, aged 77, 
Joseph Wilson, died April 22d, 1860, aged 76. 
John White, died June 21st, 1867, aged 76. 
Ruth Shinier, died March 24th, 1859, aged 76. 
Elias Rogers, died December 20th, 1863, aged 75. 
Sarah Tuthill, died March 30th, 1866, aged 75. 
Jeremiah Sabin, died August 6th, 1847, aged 75. 
Gershom Morse, died Sept(miber 27th, 1843, aged 75. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 213 

Ebenezer Smith, died May 22d, 1858, aged 75. 

Chaimcey Wright, died January 15th, 1872, aged 
75. 

Names of residents wlio are of the age of 75 years 
and upwards : 

Eleazer Carter, aged 07 ; Belinda Carter, aged 90 ; 
Lois Mosely, aged 90 ; Sally Hough, aged 87 ; Lucy 
Wood, aged 84 ; Matilda Rogers, aged 82 ; Luman 
Barber, aged 81 ; Daniel Seed, aged 81 ; Daniel 
Stewart, aged 80 ; William Everson, aged 79 ; Loami 
Adams, aged 78 ; Catharine Ev^erson, aged 77 ; Na- 
omi Goodrich, aged 77 ; Hector C. Tuthill, aged 77 ; 
Henry P. Harter, aged 77 ; Abisha Morse, aged 76 ; 
Oliver Davenport, aged 76 ; Laura Goodrich, aged 
75 ; Peter VanTuyl, aged 75 ; Stephen Lilley, aged 
75 ; Rebecca Piatt, aged 75. 



26 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Members of Assembly — Sketches of Artemas 
Cady, John L. Parker, ais^d Hector C. Tuthill 
— Government Officials — State, County, and 
«')tiier appointments ]fro3i this Town. 

members of assembly. 

This District has been represented in Assembly by 
the following named gentlemen from this town : 

William Satteiiee, in 1810 ; Rowland Day, in 
1818 ; Artemas Cady, in 1839, and John L. Parker, 
in 1865 and 1866. They were all able representa- 
tives, and among the leading and most influential 
members of their times. 

Artemas Cady was the brother of Isaac Cady, and 
th(^ father of A. S. Cady, of New York city, and 
Capt. John S. Cady, who was killed by Indians on 
the western frontier, in 1864. 

At the time of his election, Mr. Cady was engaged 
in mc^rcantile business in this village. He was a man 
of integrity, and highly respected at home and 
abroad. In the Assembly, he was a qniet, unobtru- 
sive, but very intelligent member, carefully scruti- 
nizing every bill which came before that body, un- 
derstanding fully its meaning and import before ex- 
erting his influence or casting his vote for or against 



21^ HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

its passage, and then laboring and voting according- 
ly, conscientiously and effectively. 

JOHN L. PAEKEK. 

Mr. Parker was forty years of age when first 
elected member of the Assembly, and always resi- 
ded in this town. The following article is copied 
from "Life Sketches of State Officers, Senators, and 
Members of Assembly," written by S. H. Harlow, 
and H. H. Boone, and published by Weed, Parsons 
& Co., in 1867. 

"The birthplace of Mr. Parker, is Moravia, Cay- 
uga County, N. Y., where he was born on March 25, 
1823. 

On his mother's side, he is a descendant of John 
Locke, whose name is familiar to almost eveiy one. 
Mr. Parker has natural and acquired qualifications, 
which have placed him among the most influential 
members of the House. As a parliamentarian, he 
has few superiors, and his knowledge in this regard, 
with his naturally quick intellect and intuitive 
shrew^dness, have rendered him one of the best tac- 
ticians in the Assembly for several years. This fact 
caused him to be selected by a party caucus in his 
first year (1865), to engineer the Metropolitan Paid 
Fire Department Bill through the House ; and he 
did it, although the opposition was strong and un- 
scrupulous. His skill in this respect received a 
striking illustration in 1867, when in the first few 
weeks of the session he brought to a third reading 
in the House, and passed by a unanimous vote a bill 
to require the rail road companies of this State to 



rilSTOKIOAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 217 

give equal freight and express facilities to all (a bill 
designed to reach tlie case of the Merchant's Union 
Express Company ). The bill passed through all the 
stages of legislation openl}^, yet so quietly, that its 
presence was scarcely known before it had passed 
be^^ond the jurisdiction of the House. 

Mr. Parker has also eminent qualifications as a 
presiding officer, having the requisite knowledge 
and promptness fo]' that position. His qualifications 
in that respect caused him to be selected in 1865, by 
a party caucus, as Chairman of tlie Committee of 
the AVlioh^ on tlu^ Metropolitan Health Bill, and the 
Buifalo rolicc Bill. In 1866, he was frequently 
called to take the Chair, by Speaker Tremain. 

He is also an effective debater. In 1865, he deliv- 
ered a speech on the Constitutional Amendment ; 
and in 1 866, on the Health Bill, and the resolutions 
indorsing Congi'ess agaiiist the President ; and, in 
1867, an impromptu argument on the Constitution- 
al Amt^ndments, all of which were deservedly 
and highly j^raised, and widely read. 

In his general course as a legislator, he has sought 
the best interests of the State, the keeping down of 
taxation, and the overthrow or crippling of monopo- 
lies. He has been Chairman for two years of the 
Committee on Railroads, serving in that delicate po- 
sition with true credit to himself, honor to his con- 
stituents, and the true interests of the State." 

IIECTOE C. TUTHILL. 

Hector C. Tuthill, a well known and highly re- 
spectable gentleman, represented the District in As- 



318 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

sembly in 1848 and 1849. He was at that time a 
resident of the town of Sempronius, where he settled 
as a farmer in 1827. He was born in Goshen, N. Y., 
where he was reared upon a farm and received a 
thorough practical education in agriculture. When 
lie settled in Sempronius, nearly all of his neighbors 
were heavil}^ in debt, and only able to make the ends 
of the year meet by the most rigid economy and ar- 
duous labor. None of the houses between Nonesuch 
and Kelloggsville were painted. Mr. Tuthiirs farm 
consisted of two hundred acres of land, which, like 
the lands in that section, had been used for grazing. 
He saw that farming in that way was not profitable, 
and being familiar with the dairy business, purchased 
a number of cows, and commenced making and 
packing butter for tlie New York market. His 
neighbors ridiculed the idea of farming in that way. 
They had been accustomed to make but little but- 
ter, and that was sold to the nearest store-keeper at 
six or eight cents per pound, dove %>ay at that. — 
The merchant j)acked the different varieties and dif- 
ferent qualities of butter thus gathered together, 
and shipped it to New York, or some nearer market, 
where it brought but an inferior price, and helped 
to give to Western New York its unenviable repu- 
tation for second-rate butter, which it has taken 
years to overcome. 

Mr. Tuthill, however, could well afford to submit 
quietly to the notions of his neighbors, so long as 
the business was profitable, and his increasing pros- 
perity did not fail to have its influence ; and one 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 319 

after anotlier of liis neiglibors followed liis example, 
until that section of country became famous for its 
large dairies, and excellent quality of butter mai- 
keted. 

Mr. Tutliill also brought with liiin from Orange 
County, the castings for a machine for churning with 
a dog, which excited considerable curiosity at that 
time. 

In the Assembly, he w^as a practical, honest, cau- 
tious legislator. During his first session, 1848, the 
following laws were passed which had reference par- 
ticularly to Cayuga County, 

' ' An Act to incorporat(^ the City of Auburn, giving 
its boundaries, and dividing it into four w^ards." 

Also, "An Act to declare the public use of a rail 
road from Auljurn to Ithaca, through the town of 
Fleming and Scipio, and down the valley of Salmon 
Creek."' 

The men who conceived the idea of this road, 
among whom were Leonard Searing, Slocum How- 
land, Worthington Smith, Alfred Avery, John H. 
Chedell, George Rathbun, and Thomas Y. How^, Jr. . 
were considerably in advance of the people of South- 
ern Cayuga, at that time, and the road for various 
reasons was not built, although surveyed and par- 
tially graded ; but the idea was a good one, and now 
after more than twenty years later, a rail road occu- 
pies for a considerable distance the track then gra- 
ded, and will doubtless shortly connect the city of 
Auburn and Ithaca for all practical purposes as 
thoroughly as the road contemplated in 1848. 



220 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

It was also during the session of 1848, tliat the fol- 
lowing concurrent resolution was passed : 

'■^Resolved, Tliat tlie thanks of the Legislature 
of tlie State of New York be tendered to Ex-Gover- 
nor William H. Seward, for the eloquent eulogium 
on John Quincy Adams, delivered at the request of 
both Houses of the Legislature, on the 6th day of 
April, 1848, and that a copy be requested for publi- 
cation. 

Resolved, That twenty times the usual number 
of copies be printed." 

Twenty-four years later, the distinguished orator 
upon that occasion, himself had joined 

" The innumerable caravan that moves 
To tlie pale realms of shade." 

While Charles Francis Adams stood before the Leg- 
islature of this State, and pronounced a suitable and 
fitting tribute to his memory. 

But, perhaps the most important measure upon 
which Mr. Tuthill was called to vote during the ses- 
sion, and which became a law, was an act which 
revolutionized the rights of property of married wo- 
men in this State, known as, "An Act for the more 
effectual protection of the property of married wo- 
men," and which gave any female wdio should there- 
aft(^r marry, owning real or personal property, the 
right to hold and use the same, as her sole and sep- 
arate property, not subject to her husband or liable 
for his debts. Also, the right to receive by gift, 
grant or devise, from any person except her hus- 
band, real or personal property, to hold and use the 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 221 

same and tlie rents thereof, the same as if unmar- 
ried. This law marked a new era in the '' rights of 
women," and has doubtless done more substantial 
good than all the "woman's rights associations" or 
parties, or movements led by "strong minded"' wo- 
men amalgamated with weak minded men of ques- 
tional>le morals and doubtful associations. 

This law gives to women substantial rights and 
protection of incomparable greater value than all 
the theoretical, nonsen--^ical plans which such parties 
have originated, and endeavored to force upon the 
people. 

In the session of 1840, Mr. Tuthill was exceedingly 
interested in the bill which finally became a law, es- 
tablishing free schools throughout the State, giving 
the children of the poor an opportunity of acquiring 
a common school education without expense. The 
law has doubtless been beneticial to the entire peo- 
ple of the State. 

Mr. Tuthill removed from Sempronius to this 
town in 1856, where he now resides, at the age of 75 
years. 



27 



CHAPTER XXIL 

MoNTviLLE — Inhabitants — Manufactueers — 
Daniel Goodrich — AV alter Wood — Millard 
Fillmore — His first Public Speech — bMART 
Men — C APT. Whipple and Ca.pt. Crosby — 
"Tune" Barhite's Smart Man — Rogers & La- 
TiiRop' s Foundry — School House — " Ginx 
Baby not drowned — The Old Red School 
House — Its Pedagogues and Pupils. 

>10NTVILLE. 

Tills is a hainlet one-half mile nortli-east of Mora- 
xia Village, and contains a iK)pulation of about one 
hundred and seventy souls. It is a quiet, peaceable 
mind-its-own-business sort of a place, possessed of 
considerable wealth, a fair average of brains, indus- 
trious, practical mechanics and business men. Its 
water power is excellent, and has been put to good 
use for over seventy years. '^ Goodrich Creek, 
alwa}-s in o-ood running order, Hows through the 
centre of the village, and at its extreme western 
boundary, after having been as serviceable as possi- 
ble to its inhabitants, leaps over a rocky precipice 
one hundred feet in height, and forms a junction 
with -Pierce Creek" which iiows from the north, 
whence both, having fallen to such low estate, as if 
by common consent bury themselves in the oblivious 
AA'aters of ''Sylvan Lake." 



324 niSTOEicAL sketches of 3I0R a via. 

Montville was settled at an early day, and its first 
inhabitants are all dead. Very few now living re- 
member even wlio they were, and yet they lived and 
moved and had a being, while some occupied po- 
sitions of honor and trust which required intelli- 
gence and business capacity. 

Daniel Goodrich, Sen., bought out the Carding 
Machine (the property since owned by Mr. Mellen, ) 
in 1805. He was by trade a carpenter and joine]*, 
and one of the best mechanics in the countr}^ He 
afterward built the Congregational Church in this 
village, and several private lesidences. Previous to 
this, however, and in 1810, .Tolin Stoyell had erected 
the saw mill, and in 1818, the grist mill. In 1800, a 
tavern was kept by Zadoc Cad}', in a frame Iniilding, 
one-half of which (since somewhat remodeled,) is now 
occupied by Frank Williamson, and situate near the 
Spoke Factor}'. This lious(^ has tlie honoi- of being 
the oldest in Montville, 

Walter Wood (an uncle of Charles P. Wood, Esq., 
of Auburn,) came to Montville about the year 1810, 
and in 1812 built the house on the corner, now 
owned by Russell Green; and in 1814, the ''Hotel 
Building,'" since owned by Franklhi Goodrlcli. He 
was a lawyer of extensive practice, dealing largely 
in real estate, and in his }U'iii»<N retained in nearly 
every case upon the Calendei- of the Court of this 
County, a large portion of the cases involving the 
title to real estate. He was also at one time County 
Judge. He owned nearly the whole of Montville, 
the only exceptions being the Sh()V(> and Goodricli 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 225 

places, and tlie premises of Thomas Hiinl, now ''In- 
dian Mound Cemetery," and Mrs. Jenkins' residence. 
Mr. Hunt's Tanneiy was located near the head of the 
(iulf, there being no highway tliere at that time, 
but farther to the east. Mr. Wood also in 1811, 
built the ''store" since rejuvinated into tlie dwell 
ing house of William Richmond. Isaac Wood, his 
son, was also a laAvyer of fair abilities, but his 
father died soon after he began practice, leaving a 
large estate, from which Isaac received a competence, 
making his profession no longd'r desirable. Later in 
life, he was proprietor of the Montville Hotel. 

Millard Fillmore commenced the study of the law 
in Judge Wood's office, having first served an ap- 
prenticeshi]) in the Woolen Factory ; while a stu- 
dent, he obtained his lirst notoiiety hy the deliver}^ 
of a Fourth of July address in a grove upon the 
premises now owned by AVm. Walker, near the Gulf. 

Some of his hearers then i^rophesied that he would 
"make his mark," and i^erhaps Itecoma a Judge : 
but he went far beyond their expectations, and 
doubtless his own brightest fancy nevei- anticipated 
the high estate to which he was to arrive at last. 

"There were giants in those days," in Montville. 
Jerry Sabin was celebrated for his great strength. 
Also his son of the same name, and the father of 
Walter W. and Lyman Sabin. He was a ma]i of 
large stature, and possessed of immense strength, 
and according to report, could easily cai'iy two bar- 
rels of cider at once, by placing two tingeis in the 
bung-hole of .each. Of course, he had considerable 



336 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

notoriety in the neighborhood as a very smart man ; 
the current meaning of the word "smart"' being- 
well illustrated by one of liis admirei'S in the follow- 
ing incident, which occurred in "Tune" Barhite's 
blacksmitli shop. 

It seems that the character of Rowland Day was 
being discussed, when some one present remarked, 
that Rowland was a "smart man." "Tune" was 
busy shoeing a horse ; but amid the din of the shop 
overheard the above expression, let go of the foot 
of the horse, straightened liimself up, gave the an- 
vil a stroke with the hammer by way of emphasis, 
and exclaimed: "'Wall, Rowland Day is a pretty 
smart man, but then. Jerry Sabin can lick Tnm in a 
minit r^ 

Another illustration of greatness, although differ- 
ing somewhat in tenor, is found in tlie summing up 
by Captain Crosby, of Captain Whipple and him- 
self — both of whom were old New Hampshire men. 

Captain Whipple being a wonderful self-conceited 
man who told all he knew, and generally a little 
more, as his neighbors tliought, while Captain Cros- 
by was always observing and commenting upon the 
traits of the former. Saj^s Captain Crosby, ' ' That 
Captain Whipple, is an awful smart man. He's a 
wonderful man. He knows most everything. Gap- 
tain Whipple and I do know everything. In fact, 
he knows everything except one thing, and that / 
know. That is, that he'' s a d dfoolT'' 

A small foundry was built at an early day, by 
Messrs. Rogers & Skinner, on the banl<; of the creek 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 227 

in Moravia, near the promises of Heiuy Fox ; but 
was shortly afterward removed to Montville, and lo- 
cated near the junction of the creeks below the Falls. 
At this establishment, ]:*^ows were also manufac- 
tured. Another foundry was erected just below the 
"Big Dam" (Selover's) ; but with the dam, was car- 
ried away by a tiood soon thereafter, and was never 
rebuilt. 

Near "Parker's Grist Mill," woro a Nail and 
Scythe Factory, and Ti'ip Hammer, and on the oppo" 
site side of the creek, an Oil Mill. 

There are now in Montville, about thirty -live 
dwelling houses, one grist mill, two saw mills, a 
spoke factory, planing and matching mill, one wool- 
en factory, a blacksmith and cooper shop, and gro- 
cery store. These indicate an ent(.»rp rising and in- 
dustrious population. 

SC!lI0OL HOUSES. 

In addition to the above, and not the least in im- 
portance, Montville has a commcxlious and comforta- 
ble Brick Scliool House, capable of seating from 
forty to sixty pupils, according to size and circum- 
stances, and which has generally been well lilled, 
for Montville, like the unsophisticated father of 
" Ginx's baby," is married, &c., though unlike him, 
if the innocent tlih-teentli should be born, noun- 
seemly threats of drowning would be hear-d from 
Ijaier familias, but in an almost incredible brief 
space of time, the urchin would be swinging his toes 
from a seat in the school house, puzzling his brains 
over " B-a Ba ; B-e Be ; B-i Bi ; " giving the bounda- 



228 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

ries of the United States, and otherwise preparing 
himself for Post Master, or some other lucrative office 
in the gift of the Government, or the people. 

The"91d Red School House," which, like its 
builders, has disappeared, being too decrepit for 
further use, was situate across the road from its 
more pretentious successor. What a contrast in the 
two. The former was erected, apparently without 
the least idea of the "eternal fitness of things." 
The seats certainly never "fitted" any scholar of 
the hundreds who from time to time did penance 
upon them six hours per day. Imagine a narrow 
seat two feet high from the floor, for a boy of six or 
eight years of age to adapt himself to, meantime, to 
be thankful that he was born in a Christian land, 
where school houses were accessible, and education 
comparatively free to all. But it consumed the four 
months school term to educate his legs and back to 
an even balance, and get his little body properly ad- 
Justed to the seat, which consisted of a slab with the 
rounded side uppermost, smooth as glass from con- 
stant wear, with two long legs of the same material 
at each end. Balancing upon a tight-rope, or upon 
the top of a pole, at an angle of forty-five degrees, 
is secured by a rigid application of muscle, close 
study, and strict attention to the laws of attraction 
and gravitation. But to maintain an exact poise 
and position upon the rounded surface of those 
smooth slabs, with no support for the legs or back, 
was a feat which, with no knowledge of the sciences, 
boys could never with any certainty accomplish. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 329 

though it were often sought carefully and with tears. 
But there are pleasant memories associated with 
the old house, barring the sittings. Who of the 
pupils will ever forget th(^ faces or the manners of 
the pedagogues who taught their young ideas how 
to shoot. Where are they all ? Like their pupils, 
scattered, — some dead and gone. But one here and 
there of those teachers remain. And yet, that was 
only twenty-five years ago. 

Memory goes back to the lirst experiences of that 
school house, when Miss Sophia Wright (since Mrs. 
Cady,) successfully presided within its portals over 
fifty boisterous scholars, some of them almost men 
grown — or was that the imagination of the "smallest 
boy." The Woods, of the "Hollow District," the 
\"osburgs. Berry s, Tidds, Pierces, Whites, Lockes, 
Sellecks, Mellendys, Oakleys, Coopers, Sabins, 
('handlers, and others. And who will forget poor 
Lester Sal)in, — kind and generous hearted when in 
liis right mind, ])ut a terror to the children when at- 
tacked with tlie terrible malady whicli finally termi- 
nated his life ; but even at such times, perfectly 
harmless. And there was black Hiram Wheatly, 
very black outside, but good withal to the boj^s and 
girls, and with pockets generally supplied with can- 
dies ; he lived at Wood's Hotel. 

Another of the teachers was Miss Rowe, a mere girl 
of sixteen or seventeen years, a teacher of the summer 
school, pleasant, laughing and merry, romping and 
sinffino- when out of school. Her kind heart won the 



28 



230 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

affections of her pupils, and all wept wlien school 
was dismissed and she bade them good bye. 

One of the most efficient teachers was Miss Arniin- 

da Heald (since Mrs. M ), she had that peculiar 

hrmness of character so desirable in that position : 
controlled the school, which was large and called 
theretofore unruly, with perfect ease apparently, 
taught her pupils thoroughly whatever studies were 
pursued. Under her teachings and discipline the 
school made marked progress, not only in books but 
in general conduct and appearance. She was em- 
ployed for two or three terras to the satisfaction of 
the district. The pupils "didn't see wh}^ she could 
not teach longer;" but she was even then, if mem- 
ory is not at fault, oth<n'wise engaged. A most esti- 
mable woman and teacher, her old pupils liaAe cause 
to remember her with gratitude. 

Alfred Hawk taught one winter in the old school 
house. He w^as a w^ell meaning man, but we have 
doubted, or did in those days, whether teaching was 
his peculiar forte. He w^as a hard worker, and in- 
tended to make his scholars improve. His manner 
was stern, his government oftimes severe, and his 
pupils seemed in constant fear of trouble. He was 
at heart a kind and conscientious man, and all that 
he did was meant for the good of the school. His 
voice was heavy and well adapted to the reading of 
tragic verse, in which he took great delight. 

Franklin Goodrich had charge of the school during 
two winters, and was really one of the most thorough 
and practical of the common school teachers of his 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 231 

day. He was pei'fectly familiar with the brandies 
which he taught, and no sum was done or problem 
demonstrated, until it was fully ascertained whether 
it would prore. He Avas a good disciplinarian, tlio' 
at times his quick temper led him to extremes ; but 
a more conscientious man neve]- conducted a school, 
and none more anxious to correct himself if he made 
a mistake in judgment or otlierwise, in fact he dis- 
ciplined himself as much as his pupils and apolo- 
gised to the school when convinced l\y liis own sense 
of justice that he was in error. His i)upils not slow 
to judge character, greatly respected the high moral 
])i-inciple by Avhich he was actuated, and learned from 
him lessons of justice and honoi-able dealings which 
were never forgotten. 

At a later p(Miod came other teachers, prominent 
among whom was Peter VanArsdale, who labored 
industriously and with marked eifect. He was 
always ready to ''set a copy," ''do a sum,'' or give 
an unruly boy a '"good licken," at the shortest pos- 
sible notice, and would go through either of said 
operations witli iteatnesfi and dhpak-lt. A good 
hale, hearty teacln^r, he enjoyed a joke as well as any 
of his scholars. But In^ was the mastei- and they 
the pupils, ////// was well understood. 

Oh, the old school house with its shattered frame 
and sliabby (Uitside, saw mucli of jollit}', sliy amuse- 
ment, and comic scenes, intei'mingled with sorrow, 
pain and penalties within. The old stov(^ and desk, 
and even the uncomfortable, homely benches, from 
long acquaintance^ wei'e resp<^cted a*^ old fi'iends. and 



232 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOEAVIA. 

fhQ ferule^ that always lield a commanding position. 
Some of the teachers' whose experiences include the 
"Old Red School House," reside hereabouts, but 
the school companions seem scattered to the four 
winds. How changed to-day from those early days 
of childhood. To some the school of life below is 
dismissed ; others are involved in the busy session, 
unmindful of the approaching terminus, when witli 
opportunities improved or otherwise, the great lesson 
of life well learned or neglected, the books shall be 
closed, and the Great Master announce the final roll 
call. When that time comes who of us all can ans- 
wer "Perfect?" 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

First Cast Ikon Plow — Patents — Bull Plow of 
1820— Jetheo Wood — Pot Metal Plow — A Plow 
SENT to Alexander I, Emperor of Russia — 
Wood's trials and death — His Son Benjamin 
— His Legal Triumph and Pecuniary Failure 
— His Death — Jethro Wood the benefactor 
of his Age — Rogers and Skinner's Manufac- 
tory. 

Plutarch records that at the building of Rome, 
"Romulus took a plow, to which he fastened a colt- 
er or plowshare of brass, and so yoked in an ox and 
cow, he himself holding the plow, did make round 
about the compass of the city a deep furrow." The 
ancients ploughed with an instrument which was but 
a crooked stick, with a sharp projection to stir the 
ground. 

"The Rotterdam Plow,'- used in England one 
hundred and fifty years ago, was a heavy, unwieldy 
implement, made entirely of wood except the colter 
or knife depending from the beam, to cut through 
roots and soil, and two shoes on the under side of 
the share, which were of wrought iron. But in 1870 
James Small, a Scotchman, introduced a. revolution 

♦Copied from an unknown autlior. 



234 KfSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

ill husbandry hy producing a cast iron inold-boaixL 
That was the beginning of a new era, Tlien there 
was no marked change until nearly fifty years after- 
ward, when Robei't Ransom of Ipswiek patented an 
iron plowshare. 

Until after the revolution the history of agricul- 
tural instruments in America was nearly the same, as 
in England. Yankee inventativeness did not assert 
itself, till the Colonies threw off the yoke of the 
mother country. But as the United States strug- 
gled out of the gloom in which the war left, improve- 
ments in agriculture and manufactuies began to oc- 
cupy the keenest minds of the conntry. In 1797, 
Xewhold of New Jersey, obtained a pat(^nt for some 
improvenu^nt in plow making, which was jjurchased 
by David Peacock, who afterward ])roduced a plow 
having both mold-board and land-side of cast iron, 
with share of sliarpeiied steel or wrought iron. So 
important were improvements in plows considered, 
that the versatile and philosophic Jefferson was 
greatly interested in tliem, and in 1798 he wrote a 
long, elaborate treatise on the construction of mold- 
boards. His theory was, that as at tlie bottom of 
the furrow is or ought to be flat, the breast of the 
mold-board, where it comes in direct contact with 
the soil, should be flat also. But the plow still con- 
tinued in a very imperfect state. As late as 1820, 
according to the testimony of old farmers now living, 
the kind best known and most commonly used bore 
the name of the "Bull Plow." It was made prin- 
cipally of wood and iron, and ordinarily cost |40 to 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOitAVlA. 2^0 

850 ; the mold-board was of wood iltted bunglingiy 
to the irons, and tlie action of the rude implement 
"might be illustrated by holding a sharp pointed 
shovel back up and thrusting it through the ground.' ' 
The share was of steel, and frequentl}' had to be 
sliarpeiied by a blacksmith at a charge of from t^m 
to twenty shillings. The plowing season, especially 
when land was stony, proved very expensive to the 
liusbandnmn. 

In 1814 John Wood, a farmer of ample means and 
large intelligence, living in Cayuga County, New 
York, took out a patent for an. improved plow.— 
From early childhood he had shown remarkable in- 
genuity in the construction of agricultural imple- 
ments. AVhen only a few years old he moulded a 
litth^ l)low from metal, which he obtained by melt- 
ing a pewter cup. Then cutting the buckles from a 
set of braces, he made a ininiture harness with which 
he fastened the family cat to liis tiny plow and en- 
deavored to drive her about the tiower garden. The 
good oldfashioned whipping he received for this 
mischief was such as to drive all desire for repeating 
the experiment out of his juvenile head. But when 
he grew to manhood, the ruling passion asserted 
itself, and for years the improvement of the plow 
was his darling project. His chief desire was to in- 
vent a new mold-board, which from its form sliould 
meet the least resisteiice from tiie soil, and whicli 
could be made with share and standard entirely of 
cast iron. To hit upon the exact shape for the mold- 
board, he whittled awav', day after day, until his 



336 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

neighbors, who thought him mad upon the subject, 
gave him the sobriquet of tlie "Whittling Yankee." 
His custom was to talve a large oblong potato and 
cut it till he obtained what he fancied was the exact 
curve. 

The plow which he patented in 1814 he found de- 
fective, and destroying his first patterns he set to 
work again. In 1819 he took out a patent for his 
perfect plow. It covered live distinct improvements, 
1st. The new shape of the mold-board to raise and 
turn the soil with the least resistance. 2d. The cast 
iron standard, which is a projection of the mold- 
board, connecting it with the beam. 3d. The cast 
iron edge or share, and the manner of catching it to 
the upper side of the mold-board. 4th. The fasten- 
ing of the handles to the land-side and mold-board 
by notches or loops, cast with the land-side and mold- 
board respectively. 5th. The manner of connecting 
the land-side and mold-board withcmt tlie aid of 
screw bolts. He obtained his patent for a period of 
fourteen 3^ears> and his invention received the nann^ 
of the "Cast Iron Plow," from the entire abandon- 
ment of wrought iron in its construction. He imme- 
diately began to manufacture his plows and intro- 
duce them to the farmers in his neighborhood. 

The difficulties which he now encountered would 
have daunted any man without extraordinary per- 
severence and a firm belief in the estimable benefit 
to agriculture sure to result from his invention. 
He was obliged to manufacture all the patterns, and 
to have the plow cast under the disadvantages usual 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 237 

with new HiacLiiit'S. The nearest furnace was thirty 
iiiih^s horn his home, and battled by obstacles which 
unskillfnl and disobliging workmen threw in his 
way, he visited it day after day, directing the mak- 
ing of his patterns, standing by the furnaces while 
the metal was melting, and after, with his own 
hands aiding in the casting. 

When at length samples of his plow were ready 
for use, he met with another difficulty in the unwil- 
lingness of farmers to accept them. " What," they 
cried in contempt, "a plow made of pot metal! 
You might as well attempt to turn up the earth with 
a glass })lowshare. It would hardly be more brittle." 
One day he induced one of his most sceptical neigh- 
l)oi'S to make a i)ublic trial of the plow. A large 
coni^nirse gathered to see how it would work. The 
field selected for the test was thickly sti'ewn with 
stones, many of them firmly imbedded in the soil 
and jutting up from the surface. All predicted that 
the plow would break at the outset. To their aston- 
ishnnmt, and AVood's satisfaction, it went around the 
held, running easily and smoothly, and turning up 
the most ])erfect furrow which had ever been seen. 
The small stones against wiiich the farmer ma- 
liciously guided it to test the "brittle" metal, 
moved out of the way as if they were grains of 
sand, and it slid around the immovable rocks as if 
they were icebergs. Incensed at the non-fulfillment 
of his prophecy, the farmer finally drove the plow 
with all force upon a large boulder, and found to his 

amazement that it was uninjured by the collision. 
29 



238 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

It proved aday of triumph to Jetliro AVood, and froni 
tliat time he heard few taunts about the ''pot-metal/' 
It was soon discovered that his plough turned up 
the soil with so much ease that two horses could do 
the work for whicli a .yoke of oxen and a span of 
horses had sometimes been insufficient before ; that 
it made a better furrow, and that it could he ]x>ught 
for seven or eight dollars. No more running to the 
blacksmith either to have it sliarpened. It was 
proved a thorough success. Thomas Jefferson, from 
his retirement at Monticello, wrote Wood a letter of 
congratulation, and although his theory of the con- 
struction of mold-boards had differed entireh' from 
the inventors, gave him most heart}^ a})pre<iation to 
the merits of the new plow. 

During the same year, Jetliro Wood sent one of 
his plows to Alexander I, Emperor of Russia, and 
the peculiar circumstances attending the gift and its 
reception formed a large part of the newspaper gos- 
sip of the day. Wood, though a man of cultiva- 
tion intellectually as well as agriculturally, was not 
familiar with French, which was then as now the di- 
plomatic language. So he requested his personal 
friend. Dr. Samuel Mitchell, President of the New 
York Societj^ of Natural History and Sciences, to 
write a letter in French to accompany the gift. The 
autocrat of all the Russias received the plow and 
the letter, and sent back a diamond ring, which the 
newspapers declared to be worth S7?000, "to $15,000, 
in token of his appreciation. By some indirection, 
the ring was not delivered to the donoi- of the plow. 



HlbTOKIOAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 239 

but to tlu^ writer of tlie letter, and Dr. Mitcliell in- 
stantly appropriated it to his own nse. Wood ap- 
pealed to the Russian Minister at Washington, for 
redress. The Minister sent to his Emperor, and Al- 
exander replied that it was intended for the inven- 
tor of the plow. Armed with his authority, Wood 
again demanded the ring of ]\fitehell. But there 
were no steam shii:>s or telegra})hs in those days, and 
Mitchell declared that in the long interval in which 
they had been waiting to hear from Russia, he had 
given it to tlie cause of the Greeks who were then 
rising to tlir<^w off the yoke of their Turkish op- 
pressors. A newspaper of tlit^ time calls Mitchell's 
course "an ingenious mode of quartering on the 
enemy." and the inventor's friends seem to have be- 
lieved that tlie ring had been privately sold for his 
benefit. At all events, it never came to light again, 
and Wood, a peaceful man, a Quaker by profession, 
did not push the matter further. In truth, he had 
little time to devote to side issues. His patterns had 
cost him scmie thousands of dollars. For the past 
year or two, he had given away his plows to the 
farmers in all directions, that their value might be 
thoroughly tested. jS'ow, when he liegan to look 
around for some benefit to accrue to himself, he 
found the plow makers everywhere manufacturing 
them in defiance of his rights as patentee and inven- 
tor. In fruitless suits and vain struggles against 
the inefl[icacy of the law, the fourteen years for 
which the first patent was granted expired. But in 
1833, he succeeded in getting a renewal for fouiteen 



^40 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

3 ears more. In the mean time, however, lie had sp(>iit 
a large private fortune, and became heavily involved. 
His invention had brought him literally notliing but 
a plentiful crop of lawsuits, which seemed to spring 
ujD in every furrow his plow had traced. 

In 1834, he died pecuniarily ruined. JN'otwith- 
standing all his disappointments, his life was singu- 
la rl 3^ bright and genial. His serene, equitable dis- 
position was proof against all trials. Man}' persons 
jet living remember him as one whose beautiful, 
sunii}^ natnre no advei'sity conld cloud, aiid whose 
good, loving philanthropy no ill treatment could 
sour. In the event of reaping the deserved reward 
for his invention, he had resolved to establish a fund 
for a sj^stem of public schools in the State of New 
York, and he seemed to feel as much disappointed 
at the failure of this scheme as at his owji losses. 
He always wore the garb and manners of the com- 
munity of Friends, was of benignant and winning 
presence, courtly grace of manner, and a tender, af- 
fectionate heart. 

After his death his son Benjamin, Avho received 
the invention as a legacy, continued his efforts to 
wrest justice from the unwilling hands of the law. 
Nearly all his father's failures had proceeded from 
the inadequacy of the patent laws, which were almost 
worthless to protect the rights of the inventor. — 
Even now a patent is worth little until it has been 
fought through the Suprc^me Court of tne United 
States. In those days so man}' obstacles were thrown 
in the way of inventors, and the combinations against 



HlriTOItlCAL 8KETCI1ES OF MOIiAVlA. 241 

them, were so i'ormidable, that Eli Wliitne}', in try- 
ing to establish his right to tlie Cotton Gin in a 
Georgia Conrt, while his machine was doubling and 
tiebling tlie value of lands through the State, had 
this experience, which is given in his own words : 
"I had great difficultAMn proviiig the machine had 
been used in Georgia, although at the same moment 
there were tlu'ee separate sets of tins machinery in 
motion within fifty Awards of the building in which 
the court set, and all so near that the rattling of the 
wheels was distinctly' heaid on th<' steps of the Court 
House.'' 

Similar difficulties had met Jetliro Wood in his 
suits, so his son resolved to strike at the root of the 
evil, by securing a reform of the laws. H(^ accord- 
ingly went to Washington, wliei-e he remained thro' 
several seasons, always working to this end. Clay, 
Webster, and John Quincy Adams, all of whom had 
known Jetliro AVood and his invention, aided his son 
powerfully with their votes and counsel, and he suc- 
ceeded in securing several important changes in the 
patent law^s. Then he i-eturned to New Yorl^, and 
commenced suit to resist encroachments on his rights, 
and the wholesale manufacture of his plow by those 
who refused to pay the ])remium to the inventor. — 
The ''Cast Iron Plow" was now used all over the 
country, Jind formidable combinations united their 
capital and inlluence against Benjamin Wood. 

William H. Seward, then practicing law at An- 
luirii, N". Y., was retained as Wood's counsel, and 
the ])1<)W makers engaged all th(^ talent they could 



"343 HisroKicAL sketches of mokavia, 

muster t(^ oppose him. Heretofore it had never been 
eontradicted that Jethro Wood was the originator of 
the plow in nse ; but now the right to the invention 
was denied, and it was alleged thiit his improve- 
ments had been forestalled! by other makers. Again 
and again the case was adjourned, and Europe and 
America were ransacked for speciuK^ns of the differ- 
ent plows which were declared to include his patent. 
Wood also obtained from England samples of the 
plows of James Small and Robert Ransom. He 
searched New Jersey to find the Peacock plow, 
which was said to have a cast iron mold-board, of 
exactly similar shape to his father's. Everywhere 
in that State he fonnd ''Wood's Plow" in use, but 
he could hear notliing of tlie one lie sought. At 
length riding near a farm house lie discovered (jne of 
the old "Newbold-Peacock Plows" lying under a 
fence, dilapidated and I'ust eaten. "We don't use 
it any more," the farmer replied to his inquiries. — 
"We've got one a good deal better." AVill you sell 
this? asked Wood. "Well, yes," and Wood, glad 
to get it at almost any price, paid the keen farmer, 
— who took advantage of his evident anxiety — two 
or three times the price of a new plow, and added 
the old one to his sj^ecimens. 

This motley collection of implements was brought 
into court and exhibited to the Judges. At last, 
after the case had dragged its slow length along 
through many terms, and the plaintiff was nearly 
worn out with the law's delay, the time for final 
trial and decision arrived. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOHAVI.V. 243 

The combinatic)2i of plow makers feared tliat the 
case woukl go in Wood's favor, and made every ef- 
fort to keep liim out of Court, tliat he might lose it 
by default. During his long entanglement in the 
law, he had contracted many debts, and one of his 
opponents liad managed to purcliase several of these 
accounts. 

Just b(^f(yre the case was to be heard for the last 
time, this worthy plow manufacturer, attended by a 
sheriff, and armed with a warrant to arrest AVoodfor 
debt, appeared at the front door of his house. For- 
tunately, Wood had a few moments warning, and 
slipped out at the back door. He made liis way un- 
der cover of approaching darkness to the house of a 
friendly neighbor. There he procured a horse and 
started for Albany, 150 miles distant, hearing every 
moment in fancy, the clattering of hoofs at his heels. 
As if fortune coidd not be sufficiently ill-natured, 
his horse proved vicious and unmanageable, and 
thrice in the tedious journey, threw his rider from 
his saddle upon the frozen earth, so injuring him 
that he w^as barely able to go on. 

On arriving at Alban^^, he found himself not a 
moment too soon. The case had an immediate hear- 
ing, and after tliree days trial, the Circuit Court de- 
cided unequivocally, that the. plow now in general 
use over the country was unlike any other whicli 
had been produced ; that the improveinents whicli 
rendered it so effective were due to Jetliro Wood, 
and that all manufacturers must })ay his hriis for 
the pi'ivilege of making it. , 



244 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORxVVIA. 

T]iis was a great tiiuiii})li, but it was now tlie late 
autumn of 1845, and the last grant of the patent 
had little more than a year to run. Wood again re- 
paired to AVashington to apply for a new extension, 
but the excitement of so long a contest had been too 
much for him. Just as he had commenced his 
efforts, they were forever ended. While talking 
with one of his friends, he suddenly Ml dead from 
heart disease, and the patent expired without re- 
newal. The last male heir to the invention was no 
more. On settling the estate, it was found that 
while not a vestige remained of th(\ large fortune 
owned by Jethro Wood when he began his career, 
less than five hundred and fifty dollars had ever 
been received from his invention. 

The after history of the case is a l>rief one. Four 
daughters of Jethro Wood alone remained to ]-ep re- 
sent the family. In the winter of 1848, the two 
younger sisters went to Washington to petition Con- 
gress that a bill might be passed for their relief, in 
view of the inestimable services of their father to 
the agricultural interests of the country. AVebster 
declared that he regarded their father as a "public 
benefactor," and gave them his most efficient aid. 
Clay w^armly espoused their cause, and the venera- 
ble John Quincy Adams, with his trembling hand 
then so enfeebled by age that he rarely used the pen, 
wrote them kind notes heartily sympathizing with 
them. 

On one memorable day while they were in the 
House gallery, Mr. Adams at his desk on the flooi- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOBAVIA. 245 

wrote them brieliy in relation to their case. A few 
minutes later he was struck with the fatal attack 
under which he exclaimed, — "This is the last of 
<^arth ; 1 am content f' and was borne dying to the 
Speaker's room. The tremulous lines, the last his 
hand ever traced, were found on his desk and deliv- 
ered to Miss Wood. 

A bill providing that in these four heirs should 
rest for sevi^n years the exclusive right of making 
and vending tln^ improvements in the construction of 
tli(^ cast ir(ui plow ; and that twenty-five cents on 
each plow might be exacted from all who manufac- 
tured it, jiassing the Senate unanimously. But 
Washington already swarmed with plow manufac- 
turers. The city of Pittsburgh alone sent live to 
look after their interests. Money was freely used, 
and the members of the House Committee who were 
to report on the bill, were assured that during the 
twenty-eiglit years of the patent. Wood's familj^ had 
I'eaped immense wealth, and wished to keep up a 
monopoly. The two quiet ladies, fresh from the 
retirement of a Quaker home where they had learned 
little of the world, were even accused of attempting 
to secure its extension through briber3^ It was the 
wolf charging the lamb with roiling the water. So 
ignorant were they of such means that though the 
chairman of the committee plainly told the younger 
lady in a few words of jirivate conversation, that a 
very few thousand dollars would give her a favora- 
ble verdict, she did not understand the suggestion 

30 



24i(j HISTOllICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

till after an unfavorable report was presented, and 
the bill killed in the House. 

When they were about to leave Washington, some 
friendly members of Congress advised them to de- 
posit the valuable documents which had been used 
in their suit, including the letter from Thomas Jef- 
ferson to Jetliro Wood, in the archives of the House, 
where they could only be Avithdrawn on the motion 
of some member. They did so, and left them foi- 
some 3^ears uncalled for. Wlien at last they ap- 
plied for them they could not be found ; nor from 
that time to tlie present has any trace of them been 
discovered by any of the family. Thus perished 
the last vestige of proof relating to this ill-fated in- 
vention. A few public attempts were made in later 
years to obtain redress, but Jetliro Wood's contem- 
poraries and friends, public and piivate, were nearly 
all gone. The "Cast Iron Plow" was everywhere 
in use, but the name of the inventor was forgotten. 
Even the New American Cyclopedia, in its history' 
of the plow, does not mention it. But ancient wood- 
en plows unused and falling to decay upon thous- 
ands of American farms, yet remain to show by con- 
trast the exceeding service which Jetliro Wood per- 
formed for the country. His invention is in univer- 
sal use through the length and breadth of the land, 
but his few surviving heirs are living lives of poverty 
and struggle. 

The United States Agricultural Report for 1866, 
says truly : "Although Wood was one of the great- 
est benefactors to mankind by this admii-able inven- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 247 

tion he never received for all his tliought, anxiety 
and 'expense, a sum of money sufhcient to defray the 
expenses of his decent burial." 

Mechanical inventions are our national shame - 
Jethro Wood served his country more eifectua ly 
than many a man to whom we have given wealth 
and fame, and monument of enduring brass. 

"Wood's Patent Plow" was lirst manufactured 
in Moravia, near the Selover Mills, by Rogers & 
Skinner, under a written agreement, a copy of which 

is here given : , <• i 

"This agreement, between Jethro AVood ot the 
hrst part, and Elias Rogers and Isaac W. Skinner 
of the other part, witnesseth. That whereas Let ers 
Patent were issued to said Jethro, under the seal ot 
the United States, for an improvement m the plough, 
dated 1st of July 1814. And whereas other Letters 
Patent were also issued to said Jethro, undei th(, 
sJal as aforesaid, for other new and useful improve- 
ments in the plough, dated 1st of September Ibl 2, 
and whereas the said Elias Rogers and Isaac AV . 
I^nner, are desirous of obtaining under conditions 
herein contained, certain rights and privileges under 

said patents. „. 

Ncnv Therefore, it is agreed by the said Lhas 
Rogers and Isaac W. Skinner, that they will not, dur- 
ing the continuance of said Wood' s patents or either 
of them, make or sell, or authorize to be made or sold 
any Ploughs or Plough Castings, or rights in regard 
to Ploughs, containing the improvements or any parts 

tW sp cified in said Wood's Letters Patents, or 



248 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOKAVIA. 

either of them, except under and by autliority of this 
instrument, and on the following conditions. And it is 
further agreed by said Elias Rogers and Isaac W. 
Skinner, that they will, during the continuance of 
said Wood's last Letters Patents, use every reason- 
able exertions to procure men in different parts of 
the country to make and v«^nd Ploughs under said 
Jethro's patent, by virtue of a license sign^'d by said 
Jethro Wood. ^. * ^ % * ^ * 
And said Jethro doth further agree that one equal 
half part of all monies received by him or his repre- 
sentatives, as premiums on Ploughs or Plough Cast- 
ings b}^ virtue of said contract, shall be by him or 
them paid over to said Elias Rogers, and Isaac W. 
Skinner, and to that end the said Jethro or his repre- 
sentatives, will meet the said Elias Rogers and Isaac 
W. Skinner at the house now owned by Piatt Titus, in 
Troy, or some other place to be agreed upon, the first 
Monday in May in each year, during the continuance 
of said Wood's Letters Patent, and will render unto 
them a just and true account in writing of every 
Plough sold by him or any person acting under him, 
up to the first day of elanuary then precedmg, and 
will then and there pay over to said Rogers & Skin- 
ner, or to their order, one equal half part of all mon- 
ies that may have been received by the said Jethro 
or his representatives ; and in case said Jethro shall 
fraudulently withhold rendering such account, and 
paying over as above provided, then he will forth- 
with pay to said Elias Rogers and Isaac W . Skin- 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOUAVIA. •/>49 

iier one thousand dollars as stated dania^^es, express- 
ly agreed on by tlie parties hereto. 
Dated tliis 7th day of August, 1823. 

JETHRO WOOD, [seal] 
ELIAS ROGERS, [seal] 
I. W. SKINNER. [SEAL] 
Tn the presene<^ of B. H. AVOOD." 

Annexed to the foregoing agreement is a Deed 
over the signature and seal of Jethro Wood, 
dated August 7tli, 1823, giving Ellas Rogers and 
Isaac W. Skinner the right to make, use and vend 
"Wood's Patent Plough" in th*^ States of New 
York, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere ;Mr. Wood agree- 
ing to furnish ''at some furnace not more distant 
than the town of Sempi-onius in the State of New 
York, a set of patterns for said improved Plough.'' 

Messrs Rogers & Skinner manufactured a large 
number of plows, and sold the same in the States 
above named. 

Moravia has the honor of being the headquarters 
for the manufacture of the first Cast Iron Plow man- 
ufactured in the United States. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE BENCH AND BAE. 

It was not intended that these Sketches should 
"smell of the shop whence they were turned out." 
One's business is a]3t to become a hobby which he 
rides into the face of every one he meets. The bar 
however, from their well known innate modesty and 
delicacy of public notice, may not be subject to this 
general accusation. 

Since the greater j)ortion of this volume was writ- 
ten, it has been suggested by authority which it 
would be unreasonable to doubt, much less to con- 
tradict, that without at least brief reference to the 
bench and bar of the town, this work would in an 
historical point of view, be incomplete. 

Of the former, Walter Wood once held the office 
of Judge of this county. 

The offices of Justices of the Peace were tilled for- 
merly by appointment by the Governor, and latterly 
by election. Doubtless some inaccuracies have crept 
into this portion of this chaptei-, as the old records 
are not very reliable or complete. Of the latter, dif- 
ficulty has been exjierienced in ascertaining tlie his- 
tory and residences of several of whom it would be 



^52 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

interesting to have a true and full history, but from 
these brief sketchesthe future historian of this town 
may be enabled to form a basis for a complete and 
impartial work. 

THE EEXOII. 

Justices of the Peace in and for the old town of 
Sempronius, so far as their names can be ascertained 
from the old records, are given below : 

1798— John Stoyell, Jacob T. DeWitt. 

1799_ " " *' ^i 

1800— '' '' ^' " 

1801— " " " " 

1802— John Stoyell, Jacob T. DeWitt, Charles 
Kellogg, 

1803— John StoyeU, Jacob T. DeWitt, Charles 
Kellogg. 

1804— Abel Sabin, Jacob T. DeWitt, Charles Kel- 
logg. 

1805— Abel Sabin, Jacob T. DeWitt, Cliarles Kel- 
logg. 

1806 — Seth Burgess, Cyrus Powers, Aaron Stark, 
Charles Kellogg, 

1807— Charles Kellogg, Seth Burgess, Levi H. 
Goodrich, Gershom Morse, Aaron Stark, Cyrus 
Powers. 

1808 — Charles Kellogg, Levi H. Goodrich, Aaron 
Stark, Cyrus Powers, Gershom Morse, William Sat- 
terlee. 

1809— Gershom Morse, Levi H. Goodrich, William 
Saterlee. 

1810 — Cyrus Powers, Nathaniel Fillmore, Zadoc 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 253 

Rlioads, Setli Burgess, Gersliom Morse, William 
Satterlee. 

1811 — Nathaniel Fillmore, Zadoc Rhoads, Setli 
Burgess, C3'rus Powers, Gersliom Morse. 

1812 — Gersliom Morse, Zadoc Rlioads, Nathaniel 
Fillmore, William Satterlee. 

1813— Nathaniel Fillmore, Zadoc Rhoads, Seth 
Burgess, Cyrus Powers, Gersliom Morse. 

1814— Same as 1813. 

181i) — AVilliam Satterlee, Cyrus Powers, Nathan- 
iel Fillmore, Thadeus Histed. 

1816 — William Satterlee, Ebenezer Smith, Zadoc 
Rhoads, Nathaniel Fillmore, Gershom Morse, Cyrus 
Powers. 

1817— Same as in 1816. 

1818 — Charles Kellogg, Gersliom Morse, Zadoc 
Rlioads, Nathaniel Fillmore, Ebenezer Smith. 

1819— Same as 1818. 

1820— William Satterlee, Zadoc Rhoads, Charles 
Kellogg, Ebenezer Smith, Jonathan Hussey. 

1821 — Ebenezer Smith, Asaph Stow, Gersliom 
Morse, Cyrus Powers, George H. Brinkerhoflf. 

1822 — ^Blirss Forbush, Matthias Lane, Gersliom 
Morse, Asaph Stow, George H. Brinkerhoff. 

1823— Same as 1822. 

1824 — Same as year j)revious. 

1825 — ^Same as year previous. 

1826 — Same as year previous. 

1827 — Same as year previous. 

1828 — Same as above. 



31 



254 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

1820 — Asaph Stow, Matthias Lane, Jonathan Hns- 
sey. 

1830— John Rooks. 

1831— George H. Brinkerhoff. 

1832— Ebenezer Smith. 

Gershom Morse held the office for twenty-one 
years, and did a vast amount of civil and criminal 
business, generally holding his courts at Cady's 
Tavern. 

Cases were often commenced in Justice's Court, 
and upon Joining of issue, "left out" by consent of 
parties to arbitrators, who generally managed by 
' ' hook or by crook" to satisfy all concerned. This is 
contrary to the experience of arbitrators in these 
latter days, for they seldom, however good their 
intentions, have the luck to please either party. — 
But times have changed. Then, arbitrations were 
generally had at Cady' s Tavern, where the surround- 
ings were most favorable, and the elements of a sat- 
isfactory settlement generally forthcoming in the 
flowing bowl. This subdued the savage breast and 
moistened the eyes of the most hostile forces. " Yer 
Honors," counsel, jurors, officers and _ attendants, 
thirsted for an amicable reconciliation, and several 
drinks all around. Routs and riots might ensue, 
but for the nonce at least, in the words of Sergeant 
Buzfuz, "All was confidence and reliance." 

The high and the low, the rich and the poor, sipp- 
ed from the same cup and joined in the universal 
satisfaction. 

For all men by whiskey, are brought to a level, 
Where each is to all, good lord and good devil. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OP MORAVIA. 255 

While Isaac Wood and H. B. Hewitt were doing 
business as mercliants in Montville, they had con- 
siderable experience in litigation ; among others 
they brought an action in Justices Court against 
Wm. Smith for damages sustained in a horse trade, 
and Mr Smith in retaliation, sued them upon some 
trade in grain, &c. Both cases were finally left to 
arbitrators, of whom Squire Morse was one. By 
agreement the horse case was tried one day and the 
and the grain case the next. The evidence was taken 
by the arbitrator in full, in both cases, and in the 
latter concluded in the evening, when upon retiring 
from the "long room" in Cady's Tavern, where the 
trial was had, Squire Morse touched Mr Hussey upon 
the shoulder and innocently inquired: ''Hussey, 
Oh-Ah-what became of that hoss f 

It is said that Mr. Morse once asked the following 
question: "Mr. Crippen, what is it worth by the 
hundred to saw lumber, where you saw at the 
halves r' 

Scene in Court. Justice Morse presiding. 

Court. — Mr. Stocking, what is David ChurchelFs 
given name ? 

Mr. Stocking. — David Churchell, you old fool you. 

Court. — No contempt of court, Mr. Stocking, no 
contempt of court. 

Mr. Stocking. — Oh, no, course not, you old fool 
you.- 

Squire Morse upon one occasion decided a case 
which was before him, adversely to John Keeler, one 
of the parties, who never forgave him, and endeavor- 



256 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

ed to liarrass and ridicule liim wlienever opportunity 
offered. Mr, Morse was one day holding Court, the 
room being filled as usual with attendants, among 
whom was Mr. Keeler, pretty "blue," who at inter- 
vals ejaculated, directing his remarks to the Court, 
"You old pumpkin head." After several such in- 
terruptions, "the Court knew herself," and told 
Mr, Keeler squarely that the Court would commit 
him. Keeler becoming frightened, duly apologised, 
meanwhile edging along to the door, upon reaching 
which, he darted out, exclaiming, ' ' Well you are 
an old pumpkin head anyhow," and went on his 
way rejoicing, believing himself beyond the juris- 
diction of the Court. 

Another story is told of the early experiences of 
the Squire. Immediately after he received his ap- 
pointment and before he had sworn in, lie had some 
doubts as to his competency especially in perform- 
ing the marriage ceremony, which devolved very 
often upon the magistrate, in the absence of local 
preachers. Therefore to test his own capabilities 
in that line, he w^ent out into the grove near his 
house for practice. After going out alone several 
times, he invited his wife to go along and witness 
the ceremony. Upon arriving at the chosen place, 
where were two young trees standing close together, 
he began: "Mr. Hickory and Miss Whitewood 
join hands. Mr. Hickory you take Miss Whitewood 
as your wife do you ?" Answer (sotto voice by the 
Squire,) " I do." "Miss Whitewood do you do the 
same by Mr. Hickory?" Answer by the Squire, " I 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOR.VVIA. 257 

do."' ''Tlieii ill the name of Squire Mor^e, Justice 
of tlie Peace of the County of Cayuga, I call you man 
and wife, according to the Constitution of the United 
States. Mrs. Morse would jou qualify ^" 

Jerry Sabins used to claim that he overheard this 
marriage ceremony, as he was returning home 
througli the grove, but it was conjectured that the 
whole tiling was a fiction, but he told the story so 
often in the presence of the Squire that finally when 
Jerry ))_(^gan the story the Squire would immediately 
ask him, '•'what he would have to drinks'" which 
had the effect to direct the attention of Jerry to the 
more int<>resting matter, and the stoiy would be left 
untold. 

In 1838, when the Town of Sem2)ronius was divi- 
ded, John Rooks, Mathias Lane, George H, Brink- 
v'l'hoof and Ebeiiezer Smitli were acting Justices. 
At the first Town jMeeting held for the Tow^i of Mo- 
ravia, ballots w^ere cast for Justices of tlie Peace 
W'hich resulted as follows : 

William YanOrder, 204 ; Andrew^ Dibble, 203 ; 
Jonathan Hussey, 174 ; Le6nard O. Aiken, 133 ; 
Thomas Morey, 109; Thomas Hill, lOo. The first 
three named being elected. 

Justices were elected thereafter as follows : 
1834 — Beriah Curtis. 1835— Samuel E. Day. 

1836— Ebenezer Smith. 1837— William VanOi'der. 
1838— Beriah Curtis. 1839— Samuel E. Day. 

1840— Rufus W. Close. 184L— William A^anOrder. 
1842— Wm. B. Stoddard. 1843— Samuel E. Day. 
1844— Walter W. Sabin, Rufus W. Close. 



258' HISTORICAL SKETCHES OT iWKAYIA. 

1845— Walter W. Sabin. 1846— Daniel M. Brr/WK, 

1847— Samnel E. Day. 1&48— Willxam H. Price'- 

1M9— Franklin Goodrich. 1850— Alfred Lester. 

1851— Thomab^ Loomis. 1852— William H. Price. 

1853— Franklin Goodrich, Silas D. Taber. 

1854— Alfred Lester, Samnel E. Day. 

1855 — Bradford Shirley . 1856— Jeremiah Mellen, 

1857— Samnel E. Day. 1858— John L, Parker. 

1859— D wight Lee. 

1860— Teriy Everson, Alfred Lester. 

1861— John M. Stoddard. 

1862— John L. Parker, 1863— Alfred Lester. 

1864 — Terry Everson. 

1865— Charles E. Parker, John M. Stoddard. 

1866— John L, Parker. 

1867— William Wade, Loyall StoyelL 

1868 — Lauren Townsend. 

1869— James A. Weight, Seth R. Webb. 

1870— Lorenzo D. Sayles. 1871- Rowland D. Wade. 

1872— Seth R. Webb. 1873— Franklin Goodrich. 

Samuel E. Day held the office for nineteen years. 
He became perfectly familiar with the practice and 
jurisdictional questions of this Court, presided with 
dignity and firmness, and made his decisions with 
fairness, and in accordance with his own views of 
what was right and just upon the testimony in the 
case before him. He held that the law was founded 
on common sense, and acted accordingly, and but 
few appeals to a higher Court were taken from his 
decisions. 

William Van Order held the office for twelve years. 



HISTORrCAL SKETCHES 'OF MORAVIA.. 25'9 

Alfred Lester eleven, and John L. Parker for twelve 
years. Several of the others were elected for two 
terms. While the town has not in all cases el-ected 
its most capable men to this office, by reason of the 
unavailability of sucli, or tlieir unwillingness to ac- 
cept office, or strength of party ties, or personal pre- 
judice, yet it has been as fairlj^ represented in this 
])articnlar, as in other town offices, in the gift of the 
people, 

THE BAli^LEONAIlD O, AIKEN, 

Mr, ^\ iken was born at Antrim, New Hampshire, 
September 5th, 1805. His parents moved to the 
town of Locke in 1806. After receiving other educa- 
tion, lie studied law one year with Jonathan Hussey, 
and afterward entered the law office of Judge Reed, 
in Homer, N. Y. He was admitted to practic^e in 
the Court of Common Pleas in 1828, and shortly 
thereafter to the Supreme Court at a General Term 
held at Utica. Of those admitted at that time with 
Mr, Aiken, were Henry R. Selden and Preston King. 
His first law partner was Judge Reed, of Homer, 
N. Y., with whom he established an office at that 
I)lace, and where he had his first case in 1830, which 
is reported in 5th Wendall, he appearing for the de- 
fendant, and Freeborn G. Jewett, of Skaneateles, for 
the plaintiff. Judgment was entered for the plain- 
tiff, and notice of the taxation of costs at Utica, serv- 
ed upon defendant's attorney. Upon the day no- 
ticed for the taxation, the defendant who was sued 
as administrator, by his attorney, claimed tliat he 
was not liable for costs. The Clerk so held and de- 



2G'0 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

clined to tax them, whereupon a motion was made 
by the plaintiffs attorney for a rule or order direct- 
ing the Clerk to tax his costs. The only point upon 
the argument of the motion was whether the de- 
fendant as administrator was liable for the plaintiffs 
costs. After an elaborate discussion by counsel the 
Court held "that as it did not appear that the claim 
upon which the action was brought, was presented 
for payment six months after the notice of the ad- 
ministrator requiring all persons having claims 
against the deceased to present them, and that the 
payment of such claim was unreasonably neglected 
or refused, or that defendant refused to refer his 
claim, the plaintiff was not entitled to recover his 
costs in the action.'' 

Mr. Aiken first came to Moravia in August, 1831, 
and commenced business alone, but afterward form- 
ed a co-partnership with a grandson 
of Judge Wood. He was also a partner with N. T. 
Stephens, (who studied law" with him) until the lat- 
ter went to California in 1850. After this S. Edwin 
Day entered his office as a student, and upon being 
admitted to practice, formed a co-partnership with 
him, which continued until 1869. 

E. M. Ellis was also wdtli him for nearly two years 
thereafter. Several other young men in addition to 
the above named, have studied law in his office, to 
wit : George Cutler, who is now practicing in Penn- 
sylvania ; Mr. Branch, in Michigan ; Samuel Alcox, 
in Wisconsin ; Clinton Fitch, who removed to the 
West, and has since died. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 261 

When Mr. Aiken iirst commenced business in Mo- 
ravia, Jonathan Hussey Avas the leading lawyer in 
this part of the country, but he soon became incapa- 
citated for business and Mr. Aiken was for several 
years the only lawyer in town. His opponents in 
those days were generally Seward and Beardsley, 
and John I. Porter, of Auburn, and Jewett and San- 
ford of Skaneateles, all of whom canie to Moravia to 
try causes. Fj'om 1842 to 1846, Jared Smith, a law- 
yer of iin(^ legal ability, was a resident of this town. 
He died" during the latter year. 

In 1835 an action was brought in Supreme Court 
by one Samuel Baker as Administrator, &c., of Da- 
vid Bradley deceased, against "The Owl Creek Com- 
pany," composed of Elias Rogers, Jonathan Hus- 
sey, Isaac Wood and Christopher Morgan. 

The action was brought to set aside a Sheriff's 
Deed of premises bid off by the defendants several 
years previous, on the ground of fraud in the sale. 
The premises in question consisted of about 300 
acres, situate in East Lansing, Tompkins County, 
N. Y. The plaintiffs attorney was Benjamin John- 
son. Jonathan Hussey appearing as the attorney 
for the defendants, with Mr. Aiken and David 
Woodcock as counsel . A large amount of testimony 
was taken in the case before an Examiner in Chan- 
cery, at the liotel in East Lansing. The parties and 
their counsel occupied a week at that place taking 
testimony. During the examination of the widow 
of David Beardsley, deceased, and while she was 
giving a history of all the proceedings at the time of 
32 " 



262 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

the Sheriffs' Sale of the premises, Isaac Wood, liad 
been sitting in his chair apjiarentl}^ sound asleep. 
As she concluded her statement tli(^ plaintiffs attor- 
ney remarked, "Just twenty years since this tragedy 
was enacted." At that moment Mr. Wood awoke 
with a grunt, exclaiming, "Yes, just twenty years 
between the tragedy and tlu' farce." 

This case was argued at Binghamton, !N. Y., be- 
fore Judge Monell, by Uon. John Collyer, for de- 
fendants, and a decision rendej-ed in their favor. 

Soon afterward an action was ])rouglit *liy "The 
Bank of Ithaca" against Gilbert Honeywell, to set 
aside a Sheriff's Deed of premises, x^m-chased by Mr. 
Honeyw^ell, of about 200 acres lying south of Sum- 
merhill Village. The attorneys for plaintiff were 
Messrs. Bruyn & Dana, of Ithaca, and Mr. Aiken and 
and John I. Porter, of Auburn, were retained for 
the defendant. Tlie testimony in this case was 
taken before Thomas Y. How, Esq., of Auburn, at 
Barber's Tavern in Summerhill. This examination 
lasted for several days. Mr. Brujn was a very ner- 
vous, but gentlemanly man, and as they were busi- 
ly engaged one evening upon this examination, bj;^ 
the aid of tallow candles, which at their best threw 
but little light upon the transactions in question, 
Mr. Bruyn suddenly jumped up, looked under the 
table upon which they were writing, remarking 
"that a dog (which had been quietly resting him- 
self unmindful of laws or lawyers) had bitten his 
toe." The dog was accordingly turned out of doors 
without a hearing, and the suit went on for lialf an 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 263 

lioui", wlicii again Mr. Bniyn jumped up as before 

and looked under the ta])le «^xelainiing, "d n 

that dog, lie has bitten me again." The poor dog 
lioweviM', was half a mile away at his home, beside 
the fii'e-plaee, enjoying the sweet and nndisturbed 
repose of innocence, which comes only to dogs of 
good moral chai-acters, and who are worthy of con- 
lid(^nce in any Court of Justice. 

The suit in question was never finished, for after 
a weeks experience at litigation in Summerhill, all 
parties wei'e satisfied, and compromised. 

Mr. Aiken Avas also the attorney for the plaintiff 
in an action in Supreme Court in which AVni. Keeler 
was ])laintiff and Dudlej'^ Loomis defendant, concern- 
ing the right to the use of the water of Mill Creek ; 
George Rathbun, Esq., was counsel with Mr. Aiken 
for plaintiff, B. J). Noxen, of Syracuse, was counsel 
with Paris (t. Clark, the defendant's attorney. A 
large amount of testimonj^ was taken in the case, be- 
fore Judge May]iai'd The case was linally settled 
without ariiving at any decision of tlie legal points 
involved. 

Mr. Aiken s practice has been to a great extent 
connected with i-eal propert}^ in this and adjoining 
towns. V^ery many of the ftirms were held V)}- de- 
fective titles, or merely hy possession, and hence 
many litigations arose conceriiing them, which in 
volved intricate and interesting questions of lav,' and 
arduous labor. He has l)een in pi-actice in this town 
for forty-three yeai's, duiing which time he has ol)- 
tained a fail* comjx'tence, and lu^ld seveial oflices of 
trust. His old associates are nearly all gone. 



2G4 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

JOII^X L. PAllKEK. 

Mr. Parker was boiii March 25tli, 1825, received 
liis education chielly at the Moravia Institute, read 
law in the office of Jared M. Smith,, a practitioner 
in this town, and after his removal, with L. O. 
Aiken, Esq., and was admitted to the Bar on July 
4th, 1848, and has continued in practice since that 
date. He held the office ol Justice of the Peace 
for twelve years, was appointed Superintendent of 
Common Schools, for the years 1851 and 1852, was 
elected President of the Village in 1870. In 1863 he 
received the appointment of Engrossing Clerk in the 
Assembly, wiiich office he also held the following 
year. He was Member of Assembl}' in 1865 and 
1866, was appointed Agent of Unit(^d States Pension 
Department of the Special Service Division, in 1873, 
which office he still holds. In politics he is a Re- 
publicap. 

S. EUWIN DAY. 

Mr. Day was born in this town, January 20tli, 
1840 ; was educated at the Moravia Institute, studied 
the law in the office of L. O. Aiktn, Esq., and was 
admitted to practice at Auburn, on June 6th, 1861. 
He soon w^ent into the office of Mr. Aiken, and after- 
ward formed a co-partnership with him, which con- 
tinued until 1869, since which time Mr. Day has 
been in practice alone. He has held the office of 
Supervisor for the years 1869, 1872 and 1873, running 
largely ahead of his ticket, which was otherwise 
generally defeated. He was elected President of the 
Village in 1868. Politically he is a Democrat and 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 265 

received the nomination of liis party for District At- 
torney of tliis comity in 1868. 

ROWLAND D. WADE. 

Mr. Wade was born Feb. 21st, 1840, and graduated 
at tlie Moravia Institute. He entered tlie Army and 
remained in service until July 22d, 1862, and upon 
his i-eturn home, commenced the study of law witli 
John T. Pingree, Esq., of Auburn, oS^. Y. He was 
admitted to tlie Bar at Rochester, jN". Y., on June 
7th, 1S67. In 1868 he formed a co-partnership with 
E. E. Brown, Esq., wJiicli continued until the re- 
moval of Mr. Brown to Nebraska, in 1S69. Altliouo-h 
a Democrat, lie was elected Justice of the Peace in 
1871, being the only candidate who was elected, up- 
on his ticket. 

Wl]N^G 'J'. PAIJKEK. 

The above named is the son of John L. Parker, 
and was born December 13th, 1849. He also receiv- 
ed his education at the Moravia Institute. * He stud- 
ied law with his father, and was admitted to the Bar 
at Buffalo, N. Y., on June 9th, 1871. He afterward 
engaged in business for a year witli L. O. Aiken, 
Esq. Since which time lie has formed a co-partner- 
sliip with his father, under the firm name of J. L. & 
W. T. Parker. He is a Re2)ublican. 

MORTIMEE y. AUSTIN. 

He was educated in Moravia, and commenced 
reading law in the office of E. E. Brown, in I860. He 
removed to Auburn in Sei)teinber, 1867, and entered 
the law office of Messrs. Cox & Avery, and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar at Rochester, N. Y., in June, 1868. 



266 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

He remained in the offi(X^ of Messrs. Cox & Avery as 
chief clerk nntil 1869, when he opened an office and 
commenced business for himself. He was admitted 
to practice in the United States District Court, at 
Buffalo, in August, 1878. 

ERASTUS E. EROW]Sr. 

He studied law in the office of Messrs, Wright & 
Pomeroy, in Auburn, IN". Y. Was admitted to the 
Bar, and came to Moravia in 1861, where he com- 
menced the practice of law, in which he continued 
until 1868, when he formed a co-partnership with 
R. D. Wade, which was dissolved by the removal 
of Mr. Brown in 1869 to Nebraska City, of which he 
has since been elected Mayor, and which office he 
still holds. 

HULL GREENFIELD, 

The above named was educated at Moravia Insti- 
tute, studied law^ with S. Edwin Day, and was ad- 
mitted to practice at Syracuse in November, 1871. 
Soon after this he removed to the City of New York 
where he obtained a position as clerk with the well- 
known law firm of Weed & Parsons, Avhere he still 
remains. 

JAMES A. WRICJHT. 

He was born May 4th, 1838 ; was educated at the 
Moravia Institute ; studied law with E. E. Brown, 
Esq., and afterward with Wright & Waters, of Cort- 
land, N, Y. Was admitted to the practice of law 
at Binghamton, N. Y., June 6th, 1864; removed to 
Waverly, N. Y., where he remained until April, 
1868, when he returned to Moravia, and formed a 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 2(17 

€o-partner.sliip with J. L. Parker, Esq., which con- 
tinued until 1870, since which time he has been in 
practice aknie. He lias hekl the office of Justice of 
the Peace since 1870. Politically he is a Republi- 
can. 

The lirst lawyer of any notoriety in this town was 
Jonathan Husse}'. The writer however has not been 
able to olxtain sufficient facts concerning him for a 
]uogra])hy. It is said that he had a very large and 
lucrative ]U'actice, connected with the titles of real 
estate in Southern Cayuga. He built the stone man- 
sion on Main Street, and owned a large tract of val- 
uable land at th<^ time of his becoming irrational. — 
He relied, w^e are informed, more upon the opinion 
of other lawyers than upon his own in difficult cases, 
but was a careful manager, and quite successful. 

Nelson T. Stephens was also a well-known la W3'er 
of this town for several years prior to 1862, wdien 
he ent(^red tlie Army as Captain. He was a man of 
acknowledged legal ability and ranked with the best 
lawyers of Cayuga County. 

COLLEC^E C4RADUATES. 

Of the young men who have graduated at College, 
and who had previously graduated at the Moravia 
Institute, are the following named : 

Andrew D. White, Yale College. 

Leonidas Dibble, " 

Robert T. Mitchell, 

Julius Townsend, Hobart College. 

Smith Townsend, " " 

Frank D. Wright, Union College. 



268 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

George Dunbar. 

William Sntphen. 

George L. Wright, Yale College. 

Fay Royce. 

Thomas Bell, Hobart College. 

Aaron Phelps. 

In addition to the above who graduated at the In- 
stitute, and entered the professions, are the follow- 
ing : 

Lawyers. — John L. Parker, Adolphus E. Hughitt, 
S. Edwin Day, Rowland D. Wade, Wing T. Parkei-, 
James A.Wright, Hull Greenfield, William Slade, Jr. 

Physicians. — Arthur B. Aiken, Harmon Royce, 
Rollin Goodell, William Bennett. 

Clergymen. — John G. Webster, Manson Brokaw. 

In addition to the names of the teachers of Union 
Free School, given in Chapter XIX, we notice" the 
following : Prof. Charles A. Rowndy, Principal, for- 
merly of Syracuse, where he had been successful in 
conducting an Academy for the past eighteen years, 
he assumed the position vacated by Mr. Curtis, and 
has proved himself a very competent teacher. His 
assistants have been Miss E. Bertha Smith, Miss 
Adele Cuykendall, Miss Carrie Freese, Miss Adell 
Rowndy. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Business Directory ^SouTiiERisr Central Rail 
Road — Town Valuation and Population. 

The following list of business men and tlieir places 
of business may be interesting in the future as a 
matter of reference : 

Attorneys. — Leonard O. Aiken, John L. Parker, 
S. Edwin bay, Rowland D. Wade, Wing T. Parker, 
James A. Wright, Main Street. 

Physicians. — Cyrus Powers, Elias A. Mead, Au- 
rora Street ; Arthur B. Aiken, Congress Street ; W. 
W. Alley, Wm. Cox, Main Street. 

Dentists. — Edward A. Huntington & William Cut- 
ler, Main Street. 

Hotels. — Milton Goodrich, Main Street, Cliarles 
Shinier, Main Street. 

Merchants. — Everson & Tuthill, G. Jewett & Sons, 
Jennings & Parker, Wm. I). Bennett. 

Gocernmeiit Offlcers.—-E. A. Mead, Post Master, 
Main Street; John B. Strong, Assessor; David Wade, 
Assistant Assessor. 

Book f^tore. — L. M. Townsend, Main Street. 

f^aJoons.—'R. A. Walden, James Wolsey, Main 
Street ; James Wallace, Mill Street. 

Flowing Mills.— M. C. Selover & Co., Cayuga 
' 83 



270 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

Street ; Alley & Cuykenclall, Mill Street ; Oiis G. 
Parker, Montville. 

Tanneries. — G. F. More}'. 

Marble Works.— E.. Baker, Main Street 

Meat Market. —QwHqy & Smitli, Main Street. 

Lumber, Coal, &c. — Titus & Foster, Parker & 
Nostrandt. 

Sewing Machuies. — Wm. \Vestfal], James M. 
French. 

Jemellers. — Charles Ball, M. Downing, Main St. 

Plaining Mills.—,]. & H. McCredie, Main Street ; 
Wm. Selover & Co., Levi White, Montville. 

Baker?/. — Christian Rhamb, Mill Street. 

Furniture. — Wm. Waklen, Geo. Furguson, Main 
Street. 

Butter and Produce. — Daniel Butler, M. L. Wil- 
liams, P. D. Livingston. 

First National Bank.—R. 11. Tuthill, President ; 
Leander Fitts, Cashier, Main Street. 

Printing. — M. E. Kenyon, Moravia Valley Regis- 
ter ; Uri Mulford, Moravia News, Main Street. 

Hardware. — Hale & Greenfield, Small & Jennings, 
Main Street. 

Clothing.— M. P. Collins & Son, Benjamin Alley, 
Thomas Green, Rnfiis W. Close, Main Street. 

Grocers. — Alexander Colony, M. L. Everson, D. 
Hall, Main Street. 

Harness. — L. D. Sayles, Defendorf & Foote, Main 
Street. 

Carriage SJiojys. — W. G. Wolsey, Main Street ; 
H. P. Parker, Mill Street ; S. L. Tice, Anrora, 
Street. 



niSTOllICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 271 

Boots and >^//ors. — B. J. Liimbard, J. D. Clark, 
Andrew Perry, Win. Glover, M. Downing, A. Good- 
ell, Main Street. 

Daguerreian Hall.—T. T. Tiithill, Main Street. 

BricJt, Lime and Tile.— A. B. Caldwell. 

Barhers.^'Rewvj Paul, Earl Blakely, Main Street. 

Coopers, — A. Lansing, W. Peck, Aurora Street ; 
Daniel Lilly, James White, Montville. 

Foundry.—^. & D, McCredie. 

Sato Mills. — Wm. Selover & Co., Josliua Eose- 
<']'ans, Smith M. Howen, Ezra Baker. 

Woolen Factory. — J. Mellen k. Son, Montville. 

BlacTismiths. — Jolm McGeer, Aurora Street ; R. 
T. ]VreGeer, Mill Street ; H. P. Parker, Mill Street, 
Chas. Brigden, Aurora Street ; W. G. Wolsey, Main 
Street ; E. Lacy, Aurora Street. 

Lirery. — VanEtten & Chi tier, John Signor, Main 
Street. 

Moriar.—Ri^mj Fox, Mil] Street. 

In addition to the above, there are the following 
named estal)lishments conducted very successfully 
by ladies : 

Millinery.— Mm. H. M. VanEtten, Mrs. P. 1). Liv- 
ingston. 

i);v.s'.v J/^/Zr/.v— Miss Susan 1^'oster, Mrs. G. R. 
Huff, Main Street ; Miss Adelia Bartlett, Cayuga 
Street. 

SOUTHERN CENTRAL KAILKOAD. 

Moravia Village was for many years after its lirst 
settlement a very inaccessible point to reach save in 
a southerly direction, but as the vsurrounding country 



272 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 3I0KAV1A. 

became more settled, additional roads were surveyed 
and built, and access made more pleasant and com- 
fortable. A public conveyance, in other words, "a 
stage,"" was put upon the road, and made weekh- 
and thereafter tri-w^eekly trips from Auburn to Skan- 
eateles and Ithaca, via of this Village. Then came 
another change, from Auburn to Cortland with 
" coach and four " via Owasco, Dutch Hollow, Mi- 
lan and Summerhill, clianging teams and drivers at 
Moravia. The driver of ''ye olden times" was an 
illustrious character ; not only wiis he invested with 
the authority of the Government, which thougli 
sometimes brief, was none tlie less potent, but he 
was the general news monger of the day ; no need to 
peruse the official organs, or locid items which were 
enclosed within the sheep skin receptacle tuck- 
ed away with care beneath the seat, with double 
padlock, and glaring letters U. 8. M. portentious of 
untold importance. He knew and was not slow to 
relate all matters of importance, at every station on 
his route ; and his ready inventive imagination never 
failed to supply any deficiency, when there was a 
dearth of actual facts, and he never failed to find 
ready and anxious listeners, and believers, as there 
always have been, and doubtless will be, in the 
marvelous and the supernatural. The driver's horn 
announcing the approach of this very important 
branch of the Government service, was the signal 
for suspension of all other horns, until the passen- 
gers were duly looked over or unloaded, when the 
driver was ushered in to partake, if in winter, of 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 273 

somotliiiig "warmin," and if in summer, of some- 
tliing " coolin' " to wit : rum and molasses, at 1)otli 
seasons. But stages have liad tlieir day ; the coach 
and four no kmger runs the "Hollow Road.'' The 
drivers and tlieir horns have ceased to blow. Ser- 
viceable in their time, but none would hav(^ thei]- 
days of service lengthened. 

The Auburn and Moravia Plank Road opened a 
new and direct route from Moravia to Auburn, be- 
ing one of the nu)st beautiful and picturesque drives 
in the county, alcmg the shores of tlie Ovrasco Lake, 
for its ('Utii-e length. For several years this road 
was maintained, and kt^pt in good re2)air. But the 
plank wore out, by incessant travel over them. Stone 
and gravel were substituted, but these in turn were 
ground to powder. Extensive repairs were made, at 
large outlays of money and materials. Expendi- 
tures left small mai'gin for profits. To maintain the 
road in good order would not pay ; less repairs were 
made, the road became bad, and almost impassible ; 
the people grumbled. Rates of transportation of 
merchandise advanced, and general dissatisfaction 
prevailed. But is it not darkest just before day ? 

For many years people had hox)ed, almost against 
hope, that at some time a Rail Road through the 
Valley would connect the towns of the Southern Tier 
with the City of Auburn. Adjoining towns were 
almost equally anxious for a road whicli they could 
reach by coining to Moravia. Meantime enterpris- 
ing men had deliberated, engineered, and calculated 
the costs, and as a most glorious result we have the 
Southern Central Rail Road. 



274 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

The population of the town i]i 1870 was 2109, and 
of the village 1131. 

Farming land is worth from $35 to $100 per acre, 
according to location and improvements upon the 
same. The farm of Thomas YanArsdale upon the 
lake road is valued at $90 per acre ; that of Hiram 
Hunt near Free Church, at $100 per acre ; the Law- 
rence A^osburgh farm on East Hill, at $80 per acre ; 
while the farms south of the village are held as high 
as $100 to $125 per acre. While these are not over- 
estimates for the farms named, the larger proportion 
of farm lands will fall much below in value. 

The total assessed valuation of real estate in the 
town is $556,855. The town is bonded to aid the 
construction of the Southern Central Rail Road for 
$84,000, which is the total town debt. 

The village is the natural business center for the 
towns of Moravia, Locke, Summerhill, Sempronius, 
\^enice, and portions of Genoa, Niles, and Scipio. — 
Situated in one of the most beautiful valleys of Cen- 
tral New^ York, with natural scenery unsurpassed 
in the State, with excellent churches, and schools 
and easy of access, it must be conceded that Mora- 
via is destined to become a place of no iiiconsider- 
able importance. Its wealth and population are 
steadily increasing ; enterprising business men are 
here fixing "a habitation and a name." 

Public institutions which tend to elevate the 
morals of community are well patronized, and liber- 
ally sustained. Liberality in any community is a 
mark of healthy and prosperous growth. Moravia 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MOllxVVIA. 275 

a few years since, seemed encrusted witli a class of 
tolerably wealtliy, I)nt selfish, penurious and narrow 
minded citizens, an element sufficient in itself to 
stunt tlie groAvtli of any town, and prostrate all its 
business interests. CluircUes were but grudgingly 
supported in a clieap way ; schools and school liouses 
shocked the feelings of eyery passer by, and were 
but guide boards which pointed too truthfully the 
course ^ye were pui'suing, while other public affairs 
were in the same unfavorable and dilapidated state. 
It is not pleasant to refer to tliose times, save for the 
encouraging conti-ast vrhich is now presented. 

Old tilings are passed away, and all things are be- 
come new. An important era in our history has 
commenced. Let by-gones be by-gones. Let ani- 
mosity cease. Let petty quarrels, over more petty 
objects, unfair dealings between neighbors, malice 
and all ill-will be cast aside. And let us all strive in 
unison to promote the general good, the best inter- 
ests and prosperity of the town. It cannot be ex- 
pected that all will think or act alike. Different by 
nature and by education, warped by the circum- 
stances in which we have been living, by peculiar 
surroundings and inlluencd^s, it would be irrational 
to expect, that in all the minutiae of business rela- 
tions, and all the characteristics of social life, there 
w^ould be perfect harmony, or oneness in opinion or 
preferences. And it is a very easy matter to look 
upon the peculiar traits of our neighbors, with criti- 
cal and disapproving eye. Their faults are so glaring 
to our fastidious taste that it is hardly possible to 



376 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

possess our souls with aii}^ degree of patience, as we 
contemplate tliem. One possesses peculiar tempera- 
ment and dis^iosition tlie very counterpart of tlie 
amiable and self-sacrilicing Mrs, Caudle, another 
forbearance (when forbearance ceases to be a virtue), 
the humble submissive spirit of her husband. One 
is a spendthrift, another miserly. Some dress too 
richly ; others outlandishly. All in our opini(^n, 
biased and warped associations, have some peculiar 
faults, which we ourselves do not possess. 

So apt are we to act the part of the unjust Judge. 
This may be illustrated by an incident in the his- 
tory of a lady who was continually finding fault with 
other j^eojjle. 'No matter how many r/ood qualities 
a person possessed, they were hidden from view by 
this woman whose chief delight seemed to consist in 
dwelling upon the errors of others. Upon one occa- 
sion the character of a certain well known lady was 
being discussed by a circle of her acquaintances, a 
majority of whom decided that she was the most 
perfect of any lady they ever knew ; of amiable dis- 
l^osition, kind to the poor, tender hearted and for- 
giving, possessing all the womanly virtues, in fact 
they could not remember a single fault ; but this 
faultfinding woman, from long and careful atten- 
tion to others faults, thinking she had discovered an 
imperfection even though of the smallest kind, and 
unwilling that any one should pass from her hands 
spotless, remarked : "Well, she is a very good wo- 
man, hut I do think she is very absent minded.'''' 

How different appears the character of the old 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 277 

lady wlio had a good word for emry one, and who 
when informed of the death of a notoriously bad 
man, whose life had been one continuous round of 
wickedness, unwilling to speak of his frailties but 
wishing in the kindness of her heart to say something 
in his favor, remarked : " Well, he loas a very sirnj 

Oh, how noble thus to throw around the character 
of even the most erring, the broad mantle of charity, 
shrouding from the gaze of the inquisitive and un- 
feeling the weaknesses which are a part and parcel 
of each ones daily life. Solon's well known motto, 
"Know thyself," was written in golden characters 
over the door of Apollo's Temple ; let it be written 
in living (diaracters upon our hearts, that with a 
knowledge of our own frailties we may be mindful 
of those of others, knowing that ux', all are fallible. 
Let us l)e charitable, while differing honestly in 
opinions, having respect for the opinions of others. 

The business in which we are each engaged should 
be conducted to tlie injury of none, and for the good 
of all. Political affairs should be so controUed that 
the greatest good to the greatest number should be 
obtained. Local quarrels, insignificant in the object, 
Init often productive of great mischief and discord 
in the attainment, should be abandoned as a disgrace 
to society, and as relics of barl)arisni, whicli tend to 
hinder and obstruct the progress of reformation. 

A house divided against itself cannot stand. The 
interest of one party or faction, is the interest of the 
whole town. All receive injury from tl) e in iscondu ct 
34 



378 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

of any. So all are benefited by tlie reformation, or 
by the high morality of a portion of commnnity. If 
one member suffers, all suffer. And in the improve- 
ment of one, all are imjjroved. 

But a few days, or years, and we all step off the 
stage of action, having acted our parts. We make 
our own records, and are responsible, each for him- 
self. Let those records be worthy of the j)rivileges 
which we enjo}", and the times in which we live. 
Let us be united, and endeavor to build up our town 
upon a broad, liberal, moral, and intelligent basis, 
and upon the principles of brotherly love and esteem. 
Let us 

" Be just and fear not, 

And may all the ends we aim at 

Be our Country's, God's, and Truth's." 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

LEGEND OF INDIAN HILL. 
[According to tradition, the Owasco Lake once covered that por- 
tion of the valley known as the "Flats," and including the present 
site of Moravia Village.] 

On the shores of the Owasco, 
On its Eastern shore and Western, 
Dwelt the Irroquois in safety, 
Sovereign of the land and water. 
Roaming through the field and forest, 
In the freedom of his nature, 
For the centuries unnumbered 
Up and down these rugged hillsides. 
Drinking of these flowing brooklets, 
Sleeping neath these giant oak trees ; 
In these fields around our homesteads, 
Once their bark huts nestled closely 
And their Villages were scattered 
Here and there throughout the country. 

On this hillside dwelt Cayugas 
Of the Irroquois the foremost. 
With their chieftan On-ten-e-ga, 
Now bowed down, old and decrepit 
In his wigwam, lived his daughter, 
La-wa-ne-ta, fairest maiden 
Of the daughters of Cayuga, 
Well beloved by all the nation, 
Most beloved by Me-na-ah-tha, 
Their young chief, who in life's vigor, 



280 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA,. 

By the will of On-ten-e-ga, 
All the reins of State assuming, 
All its heavier burdens bearing, 
Guided by the riper counsel, 
And the wisdom of his senior. 

Thus the years in peace and plenty 
Passing lightly o'er this people, 
But increased their strength and numbers. 
Fitted them to meet the future. 

Ah ! who to-day can tell what sorrow 
May await them on the morrow, 
The past and present no sign giving, 
Or aught of future things revealing. 

Unheralded there came a time 
Which involved the entire nation 
In a war of self protection ; 
Bloody, cruel, yet victorious, 
But at cost of valiant warriors, 
Ranking high among Cayugas. 
From the Westward swift advancing 
Came the Al-le-ghans their foemen. 
Subtle, fleet of foot in warfare. 
Striking quickly and returning. 
But without the valiant spirit. 
And the dreadful furious valor, 
Which the Irroquois possessing. 
With their craftiness and wisdom, 
Made them terrible in battle, 
All their deep felt wounds revenging. 

Then began a fearful warfare, 
Waging years without cessation, 
Alleghans without succeeding, 
Irroquois were yet unconquered. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

Then forsaking all their wigwams, 

Leaving them to care of women, 

And combining all their forces. 

The Cayuga's and Oneida's, 

Seneca's and On-on da-gas, 

Mohawk's and the Tus ca-ro-ras. 

Roused to fury, all uniting. 

With renewed and deadly onslaught, 

Forced their foes from out their strongholds. 

Swept them from within their borders. 

But while victory crowned their armies, 
And the enemy retreated 
From before them to the Westward, 
Near the homes of the Cayugas, 
Near their camp, along the Was-kough, 
In their absence unprotected. 
Stealthily and quick in movement, 
Came an Al-le-ghan in sUence, 
Through the dense and darkened forest, 
Spying out where dwelt the maiden, 
Plighted long to ]SIe-na-ah-tha, 
Then as silently departed. 

In his heart revenge was rankling. 

Bitter, deep, and full of hatred. 

For the chief of the Cayugas 

Who had fought and won their battles, 
Who had met him, Wah-wah-no-kee, 
Of the Westward, and in combat. 
Oft' defeated all his forces, 
Routed oft' his bravest warriors. 

But again in haste returning. 
Ere another sun was setting 
Near the home of La-wa-ne-ta, 
Near the path where oft' she wandered, 
Hidden 'ueath the low pine shrubbery. 
Watched tlie coming of his viclini. 
85 



281 



282 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

Ah I what shriek is that which soundings 
To the Westward, o'er the waters, 
To the Eastward, o'er the hill-tops. 
Backward, forward, through the welkin. 
Echoing like answering voices ; 
'Tis the cry of La-wa-ne-ta, 
La-wa-ne-ta, bound and struggling, 
In the arms of Wah-wah-ne-ka, 
Fiercelj^ clasped and hurried onward. 
As she quickly scans the waters. 
And the hillside to the Northward, 
Where in evening twilight often 
Neath the silent pines and hemlocks, 
On the brow of Os-ke-o-la,* 
La-wa-ne-ta and her chieftan. 
Me-na-ah-tha strong and fearless. 
Lingered, till the lengthening shadows. 
Faded in the evening darkness. 
While her heart in joyous lightness 
Heeded naught but loves securenes. 

Now a captive she is carried, 
B}'- a foe of all her nation, 
And into a boat cast helpless. 

Out upon the placid Waskough,f 
Shoots the fragile bark of birchwood, 
Forced by arms rough ridged with sinews. 
Cunning in the arts of boatcraft, 
Laden with this mourning wild dove, 
Parted from its mate thus ruthless, 
While so near sat Wah-wah-no-kee. 
Hated Al-le-ghan, and cruel. 
Gloating o'er the trembling maiden, 
From the camp of Me-na-ah-tha, 
From the wigwam of her father, 
On-ten-e-ga lone and aged. 



*Os-ke-o-la, Indian name for Indian Hill. 
tWagkough, Indian name for O-was-co. 



aiSTGRICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 283 

.A.I1 ! Cayfigas on the war-path, 
Spake tlie warrior, Wah-wah-no-kee, 
Following the fleeting shadows, 
.Leave the pride of Me-ua-ah-tha, 
To the care of Al-le-ghans-es, 
To the storm cloud of the westland. 
Wah-wak-no-kee is a chieftan, 
In his wigwam scalps be plenty, 
As the deer upon the mountain ; 
As the beavers in the river's 
To their number Me-na-ah-thas, 
The Cayugas shall be added. 
While the fair eyed La-wa-ne-tah, 
Is the bride of Wah-wah-no-kee. 

Hark I from out among the pine trees, 
From the banks of Os-ke-o-la, 
Comes the shrill whoop of the nation, 
Comes the loud ciy of the warriors, 
Home returning, flushed with victory. 

Quickly down the rugged hillside, 
■Sprang in hot haste the Caj'Ugas, 
And across from Northern headland. 
To the Southward, and the Westward, 
All their boats in haste v.'ere flying, 
For the rescue of the maiden, 
For the blood of Wah-wah-no keo. 
For the pride of the Cay-u-gas, 
And their chieftan. Me-na-ah-tha. 
Swiftly o'er the sparkling waters. 
Sped the Al-lc-ghan retreating, 
Swifter yet the boats pursuing, 
And the shouts rang tierce and loudly, 
As the foremost gathered nearer. 
Hedging in all ways of 'scaping ; 
While erect sat Wah-wah-no-koe, 
ISTow his boasting changed to fur}', 



284 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 

And his glitering ej^es flashed vengeful, 
As he turned them on the niaiden. 
Bound and helpless in the boat's end^ 
Then upon his belt of buckskhi, 
From whence hung a glistening knife blade. 

Then was heard the twang of bow stringy 
And the whizzing of the arrows, 
Tipped with limestone from the quarry. 
Winged with feather from the eagle, 
O'er the waters flying thickly, 
Yet the Al-le-ghan unharming. 
Till at last from out the quiver, 
Me-ua-ah-tha drew an arrow. 
Quickly to the south he pointed. 
Drew the bow string to its utmost, 
And from an unerring aiming. 
Darted forth the deadly missile. 
Pierced the side of Wah-wah-nokee, 
Turning out a crimson streamlet. 

From his seat, e'en with death battling". 
To the bound and captured maiden. 
Leaped he, and with last endeavor, 
Pierced her breast, deep to the knife liilt^ 
And with savage vengeance sated, 
Joined the sjurits of his fathers. 

While the dying La-wah-ne-tah, 

Witli lier eyes fi.xed on her lover, 

And her bound hands outstretched toward him 

O'er the boatside, frail and shallow, 

Sank amid fair Waskough's stillness, 

Sank deep down amid tlie pebbles, 

Mid the lake grass and the lillies, 

From the sight of Me na-ah-tha, 

Down into the deepest soundings. 

And the birch boat drifting onward, 

Left unmarked her place of resting, 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 285 

And the darkness of tlie twilight, 
Settled down o'er lake and valley, 
But the darkness of death's shadow, 
Chilled the heart of Me-na-ah-tha. 

Shoreiward to the east returning, 
To the hillsides where their wigwams, 
'Mong the oak trees, nestled closily, 
, Whence their camp-fires smoke ascended, 
High above the topmost branches, 
Came these grim and stoic warriors. 
Came in silence to their comrades, 
While their chieftain Me-na-ah tha, 
To the pine crowned Os-ke-o-la, 
Turned him in deep desolation, 
And upon its lofty summit, 
Laid him down in bitter anguish. 
Prone upon his face in darkness, 
Heeding not the damps of midnight, 
Nor the chill winds from the nortlnvard, 
For his heart was buried deeply. 
In the depths of Waskough's waters. 
Hours passed by — unbroken silence 
Reigned o'er all the lake and forest. 
When from out amid the darkness, 
Spake the voice of Me-na-ah-tha. 

Oh, Great Manito the mighty, 
Ruler of the winds and waters. 
Speaking in the clouds above us, 
Walking in the depths beneath us. 
Dwelling in the clearest sunlight. 
Ever present in the darkness ; 
In thy hands are all the rivers. 
All the rivulets and fountains. 
And the streams and flowing brooklets, 
And the great lakes and the small ones ; 
Oil, look down on Me ua-ah-tha. 
Pitying his lone condition, 

36 



286 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA, 

For his eyes are dim witli watching. 
And his ears are pained with listening, 
And his voice is faint with calling, 
Yet no answering voice replies. 

All his love too weak to rescue, 
From the cold embrace of Waskoughf 
La-wa-ne-tah dead and silent, 
Out of sight and out of hearing. 

Oh, behold the bitter sorrow. 

Weighing down his soul in dai'kness. 

Oh, Great Spirit stretch thine arm out. 

And remove from out its boundaries. 

All the waters of the Waskough, 

From the southward to the northward. 

Let the waters be as dry land. 

And from out its deep recesses. 

Free the spirit of the maiden. 

Now within its depths imprisoned. 

Give once more unto the Indian, 

La-wa-ne-ta his beloved ; 

Let him clasp her to his bosom, 

Let his eyes again behold her, 

Though in death — in death's pale shadow. 

Oh, thou waters part asunder. 
Oh, depart far to the northward, 
Speed thee in thine onward coursing. 
And from out thy deep, dark confines, 
From among the grass and lillies. 
Give him back poor La-wa-ne-tah, % 
Ere his heart is dead within him. 

Thus he spake in earnest pleading. 
With his hands uplifted westward. 
While his eyes looked iiito darkness, 
Waiting silently and trembling. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OP MORAVIA. 28? 

Thus in the hours silent watching, 
Passed away, to him long lengthened. 
And the clouds aboTe sped onward, 
All the beauteous heavens unveiling, 
Till the gray dawn of the morning, 
Dimly in the east ai:ipeanng, 
Faintly, j-et each 'moment brightening, 
"While beneath the mountain's summit. 
Naught but thickening fogs were seen, 
Hiding all beneath their mantle. 

But anon from out the northwest, 

Blew the winds, the mists dispelling. 

And a vision strange and wondrous. 

To all natures sight revealing, 

For the Indian's prayer was answered, 

And beneath him lay a valley, 

Where before was Waskough's surface ; 

All its waters had departed. 

To the northward far from hearing, 

All the waters were as dry land. 

<^uickly down from Os-ke-o-la, 

To the south ran Me-na-ah-tha, 

Half across the valley's distance, 

To the spot where wreathed in lake grass, 

Dew drops sparkling in her tresses, 

La-wa-ne-tah lay as sleei^ing, 

Sweetly as in childhoods slumber. 

But a sleep which knew no waking. 

And a slumber without ending. 

In his arms lie bore the maiden. 
Back upon the mountains summit ; 
There a grave he dug in sorrow, 
Deeply down among the gray sand, 
'Neath a hemlock's sheltering branches, 
And therein spread softest mosses, 
Spread a couch of natures sweetness. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 3I0RAVIA. 

There upon the pines and mosses, 
'Mong the evergreens and oak leaves. 
Laid his loved one, La-wa-ne-ta, 
All unconscious of his presence. 

Down beside the grave be sat him, 
Guarding well his lifeless treasure, 
"While three suns arose and setting, 
Marked the time of faithful watching ; 
Then a bird he caught at day dawn, 
Golden crested, swift in flj'ing ; 
Down within the grave then kneeling. 
By the side of Li^-wa-ne-tah, 
Murmured in her ear his- eorrow. 
And a fond farewell repeated. 
Then the bird he loosed to westward. 
And his voice the silence breaking. 
Uttered forth his last. 

Go, oh wild bird on swift pinions. 

To the lands beyond the sunset. 

To the unseen world of future, 

La-wa-ne-tah's spirit bearing, 

Out beyond the realms of darkness. 

Out upon the plains of beauty. 

To the pleasant lands of summer. 

There to linger in the sunlight, 

Till the morn shall break which welcomes 

IMe-na-ah-tha to her presence. 

Till the Great Chief beckons to him, 

Bids him enter on his journej^ 

Leads him to the land of spirits. 

When three days and nights were ended. 
Which by custom of the nation. 
Were devoted to their burials. 
And held sacred to their chieftain, 
To the burial place to meet him. 
Came his warriors slow and silent. 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF MORAVIA. 289 

In the grave beneath the hemlock, 
In the grave of La-wa-ne-tah, 
Found they also Me-na-ah-tha. 

He had heard the voices calling, 
He had seen the welcome signal, 
And had entered on his journey. 

There amid the quiet forrest. 
Scores of years ago they buried 
These two children of Cayugas, 
In one grave beneath the hemlock ; 
And e'en now at stated seasons, 
If faith in legendry be strong, 
Mny be stcn their flitting shadows. 
And be felt their spritely tappings. 
And be heard their mj^stic whispers, 
Round about Old Indian Mountain. 



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